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1 686. 



1886. 



ALBANY 



BI-CENTENNIAL. 



Historical Memoirs. 



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A^BLEECKER BANKSo 

Chairman Printing Committee. Vx\ ^ 

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1888. y^S"^ \ >v 

BANKS & BR0THEI^5>' 0*= A^'A ^ 

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Albany and New York/' ^•,«-«'"^**"> \ ^^ 



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Charles Van Benthuysen & Sons, 

printers, binders, ic, 

Albany, N. Y. 



PREFACE 



It was only necessary to follow the different statements of 
the Albany daily newspapers to make the compilation of the 
facts and give the data of Albany's Bi-Centennary Cele- 
bration. 

For the faithful work of doing this and the preparing of 
the full and complete index, I am under many obligations 
to Judge Andrew Hamilton. 

Thanks are due to the ready and graceful pen of Judge 

Franklin M. Danaher, for the historical review of the Flags 

and Seals of Albany, the Bi- Centennial Medal and Bi-Cen- 

tennial Card. 

A. BLEECKER BANKS. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

Organization of committee i~° 

Committee, name of 7 

Sub-committees ^~^ ^ 

Advisory Committee 135 ^4 

Former celebrations 14? ^ 5 

Meetings of Bi-Centennial i7""29 

Historical Pageant report 3°-39 

Appropriation for Historical Pageant 39 

Meeting of Bi-Centennial, continued 40-46 

Monumenting and Decorations 46-55 

Bi-Centennial Flag 57-6i 

Meeting of Bi-Centennial Committee, continued, 61, 62 

Committee on Medals 63 

Order of Exercises 63-65 

Meetings of Bi-Centennial, continued 66-69 

Opening of the Bi-Centennial Loan Exhibition . . 69 

Chairman King's Introduction 7 ^ 

Rev. Wesley R. Davis's Prayer 7 ^ 

Mayor Thacher's Response 7^ 

William D. Morange's Poem 73-7^ 

Leonard Kip's Oration 78-86 

Managers' Loan Exhibition 86-88 

Reception of Caughnawaga Indians 88 

Mayor Thacher's Welcome 89, 90 

The Celebration 9^ 

Devotional Day 9^ 

Rabbi Schlessinger's Sermon 93-95 

V 



Sunday Devotions 9=1-98 

Father Walworth's Sermon 98- 

Rev, David D. Demorest 107- 

Union services at St. Peter's 

Bishop Doane's Sermon ^33- 

State Street Presbyterian Church 

Rev. Horace C. Stanton's Sermon 155- 

First Methodist Church 

Rev. Dr. Mark Trafton's Sermon 16S- 

Rev. Merritt Hubbard's Sermon 170- 

First Lutheran Church 

Rev. George W. Miller's Discourse 178- 

Clinton Square Presbyterian Church 

Rev. Dr. E. A. Huntington's remarks 

State Street Presbyterian Church 

Rev. Dr. Holmes' Sermon 187, 

African M. E. Church 188 

Rev. Israel Derrick's Sermon 188, 

First Reformed Church 

Rev. G. Wilbur Chapman's Sermon 

Sixth Presbyterian Church 

Rev. G. D. Countermine's Sermon 

St. Peter's Church 

Walton W. Battershall's Sermon 190, 

First Methodist Church 

Rev. H. A. Starks' Sermon 

Trinity Episcopal Church 

Rev. Dr. C. H. W. Stocking's Sermon 192, 

Other services 

Monday, July 19, celebration 194- 

School Children's Festival 

Prayer by J. Livingston Reese 198, 

Historical Tableau 199-202 

Award of Prizes 202 

The winner of Girls' Prize, Elizabeth G. Davidson, 204 

vi 



04 
32 
32 
54 
54 
68 
68 
70 
78 
78 
86 
87 
87 
87 



89 
90 
90 
90 

91 
92 
92 
92 
93 
93 
98 
98 
99 



PAGE. 

The winner of Boys' Prize, George L. Hodgson. 203 

Mayor Thacher's Address 205 

Prize Essays 207 

Girls' Prize 207-219 

Boys' Prize 219-224 

Grand Parade of Manufacturers 224 

Tradesmen and Mechanics 224-247 

Governor David B. Hill reviews 247 

Unveiling of the Tablets 248 

Racing Canoes 248-251 

The Evening Concert 251, 252 

Tuesday, July 20, Day of All Nations 252 

Parade 252-271 

Reviewed by Governor Hill 271,272 

Hugh Reilly's Oration 273-283 

German exercises 284 

Planting Memorial Trees 284 

Address by Emmanuel Labishina 285 

Exercises by Colored Societies 286 

Mr. T. H. S. Pennington's Address 286, 287 

Mr. Robert G. Mclntyre's Address 287, 288 

Scottish Games 288 

The Aquatic Carnival 290-295 

Fraternal Emblems 295 

Imposing secret organization 295-297 

Wednesday, July 21, Civic Day 297-327 

Reception of the Envoys from Holland 298-301 

Dr. Blom Coster's Address 299 

Mayor Thacher's Reply 300, 30 1 

The Pageant 314-324 

Mystery of Momus 324 

High Priest's Address (H. C. Staats) 324-326 

Thursday, July 22, Bi-Centennial Day 327-394 

Exercises at the Rink 340 

Prayer by Bishop Doane 341 

vii 



PAGE. 



Mayor Thacher's Address 342, 343 

The Poem, William H. McElroy 340-350 

The Oration, Governor Hill 350-3^2 

Address, President Cleveland 382 

Address, Secretary Bayard 382, 383 

Address, Secretary Whitney 383 

Legislative Reunion 383 

Municipal Reception 387 

Reception Fort Orange Club 389 

The Guests 390-392 

The Departure of the President 392 

The Pyrotechnic Display 393, 394 

Subscribers to Bi-Centennial Fund 395-400 

The Flags of Albany 401-414 

The City Seals of Albany 415-422 

The Bi-Centennial Medal 423-426 

The Bi-Centennial Card 427-429 

The Dongan Charter 431-454 

General Index . 455-461 



VIU 



ALBANY'S 

Two-Hundredth Anniversary. 
1886. 



T 



HE important event which for a long time 
had been uppermost in the minds of the 
citizens of Albany, received its first official notice in 
the resolution offered by Alderman James Lyons, on 
the 1 6th day of November, 1885, at the meeting 
of the Common Council, and by it adopted as fol- 
follows : 

" Whereas, The Two Hundredth anniversary of 
Albany's incorporation as a city will occur on the 
22d day of July, 1886, an occasion of great historical 
importance in American municipal history, and of 
pride to Albany, the oldest city in the Union ; and, 

" Whereas, It is proper that the occasion be duly 
honored and celebrated ; therefore, be it 



" Resolved, That the matter of the celebration of 
Albany's bi-centennial be referred to the Committee 
on Public Celebrations and Entertainments of this 
Board, and that it report back to this Board its views 
and recommendations in the premises with all due 
speed." 

In the estimate of city expenses for the year 1886, 
in the annual tax budget, as first submitted, no 
amount was appropriated to defray the expenses of 
the celebration ; but as finally adopted, it set it well 
in motion, with the item which it contained, " for 
celebrating the Bi-centennial of Albany, $10,000." 

Following this came the Bi-Centennial Proclama- 
tion by the Hon. A. Bleecker Banks, Mayor of the 
city of Albany, and which was concurred in by the 
Committee on Public Celebrations of the Common 
Council. 

Bi-Centennial Proclamation. 

The two hundredth anniversary of the incorporation 
of the city of Albany will occur on Thursday, July 22, 
1886. In conformity with an apparent desire on the part of 
the citizens of Albany to mark this bi-centennial occasion 
with public demonstrations expressive of their pride in the 
honorable history of our city, the Common Council, with the 
approval of the Mayor, caused the sum of $10,000 to be 
placed in the city estimates for the ensuing year, to provide 
for expenditures attendant upon such celebration. 

It is natural to suppose that the public interest now mani- 
fested will become intensified as the bi-centennial anniver- 
sary approaches. It will be perceived that the observance 
of that day, by suitable forms of public rejoicing is justi- 
fied, not only in consideration of the past, but also as 
tending to arouse a general determination to achieve that 
enlarged prosperity due to the great natural advantages of 
our city. We shall then review the interesting and honor- 
able record of nearly three centuries which mark the dura- 



tion of our history. We shall, likewise, demonstrate our 
natural and artificial resources as the pledge of a still more 
glorious future. 

The Bi-centennial occasion will foster those higher senti- 
ments which are founded upon love of home and country. 
This will constitute its real and highest value. The festivi- 
ties and ceremonials of that anniversary will promote a 
stronger sentiment of fraternity among our people, and a 
broader and more efficient public spirit. They will stimu- 
late a disposition to charitable forbearance and mutual 
helpfulness. They will attach our hearts more firmly to this 
city of our birth and of our adoption. 

For these reasons, private and personal interest in our 
approaching anniversary is likely even to surpass in the 
variety, scope and magnitude of its plans those which may 
properly be contemplated by official authority alone. 

Therefore, with a view to securing proper official and 
private co-operation in a celebration which concerns all our 
people, the undersigned, after due deliberation, invite the 
citizens of Albany, and especially the various civic and mil- 
itary organizations, by authorized representatives and other- 
wise, to attend a public meeting at the Common Council 
chamber on Wednesday, January 6, 1886, at 7 : 30 p. M., to 
confer upon the character of the proposed Bicentennial cele- 
bration, and to appoint such prehminary committee or com- 
mittees as they shall judge proper, in order to report a plan 
of organization at such further meeting of citizens as may 
be deemed necessary. 

Albany, December 18, 1885. 

A. Bleecker Banks, 

Mayor. 
Galen R. Hitt, 
Patrick McCann, 
Jeremiah Kieley, 
James Thornton, 
August Whitman, 
Committee on Public Celebrations. 

In response to the call contained in this proclama- 
tion, a large and representative gathering of citizens 
met at the Common Council chamber in the City 
Hall, on the evening of January 6, 1886. 



Aldermen Hitt, McCann, Thornton and Whit- 
man, of the Committee on Pubhc Celebrations, were 
present. 

Among the prominent citizens noticed in the audi- 
ence were Mayor A. B. Banks, Senator Amasa J. Par- 
ker, Jr., Recorder Anthony Gould, Supervisor Robert 
Geer, Surrogate Francis H. Woods, Deputy County 
Clerk Thos. Dolan, Judge F. M. Danaher, ex-Senator 
Thacher, ex-Alderman Gorman, ex-Alderman W. H. 
Dey Ermand, Prof. Lewis Boss, Prof. George E. Oli- 
ver, Grange Sard, Daniel W. Wemple, Col. Frank 
Chamberlain, Clinton Ten Eyck, William H. Haskell, 
Walter Dickson, Col. Wm. E. Fitch, C. E. Wolf, 
Wm. M. Whitney, Wm. M. Whitney, Jr.. Clerk Mar- 
tin Delehanty, City Marshal Higgins, Thomas F. 
W^ilkinson, James W. Eaton, Monroe Crannell, W. W. 
Crannell, J. L. Van Valkenburgh, H. L. Gladding, 
Israel Nussbaum, Hugh Reilly, Robert H. Waterman 
and many others. 

LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTED. 

The following gentlemen signified their presence 
as representatives of local organizations : Captain 
Oscar Smith, the Burgesses Corps; Adjutant Norton 
Chase, the Tenth Battalion ; President I. D. F. Lan- 
sing, the Young Men's Association ; Peter Kinnear, 
St. Andrew's and the Caledonian Societies ; A. D. 
Cole, the Masonic fraternity ; Andrew Donner, the 
Holland Association; A. H. Spierre, Post No. 121, 
G. A, R. ; Prof. Charles Cole, the public schools of 
the city. 

Alderman Hitt called the meeting to order and 
briefly reviewed the history of the movement. He 



said that no suggestion had met with so general an 
approval as that for a proper celebration of the city's 
Bi-centennial anniversary. On motion, Mayor Banks 
was chosen Chairman and briefly stated the objects 
of the meeting, and Mr. Grange Sard was chosen 
Secretary. At the suggestion of the Chairman, Mr. 
J. V. Viggers read the following excerpt from the city 
records concerning the action of the City Council in 
1776, when John I. Beekman was Mayor, for the cel- 
ebration of the city's looth anniversary: 

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO. 

" Resolved, That the 22d instant, being the jubi- 
lee of the charter of this city, be commemorated by 
a public feast at the City Hall ; that a committee of 
five be appointed to procure the materials necessary, 
and to regulate the same. The committee appointed 
were Alderman Philip Van Rensselaer, Peter W. 
Yates, and Assistants John W. Wendell, Richard 
Lash and Jellis Winne. 

THE ANCIENT COMMITTEE'S REPORT. 

" The committee to whom was referred the mode 
of celebrating the 22d of July instant, being the cen- 
tury anniversary of this city, do report that in their 
opinion the Common Council convene in the fore- 
noon of that day, at 10 o'clock, at the City Hall, and 
from thence proceed in procession to the hill west- 
ward of the city, attended by such citizens as shall 
choose ; that during the procession all the bells of 
the several churches in this city shall ring, and at the 
place assigned for the purpose on the hill, thirteen 

5 



toasts and one for the charter under the discharge of 
fourteen cannon. 

A BARREL OF GOOD SPIRITS. 

" Resolved, That the former committee be a com- 
mittee to prepare and superintend the said business, 
who are to purchase a barrel of good spirits for the 
purpose ; that the order of procession be as follows, 
viz. : The High Sheriff, the Under Sheriff, the Con- 
stables with their staffs, the Mayor and Recorder, the 
Aldermen, the Common Council, the Chamberlain 
and clerks, the Marshal, the corporations of the sev- 
eral churches, the Judges of the several courts, the 
Justices of the Peace, the Members of the Legisla- 
ture and Attorneys-at-Law, the militia officers, the 
engine and fire company, the citizens at large." 

Hon. F, M. Danaher then offered the following 
resolution, which was adopted, after which the meet- 
ing adjourned : 

" Resolved, That the chairman appoint a repre- 
sentative committee of twenty-five citizens, of which 
the Mayor shall be chairman, to act in conjunction and 
in harmony with the Common Council Committee on 
Public Celebrations, to consider the question of the 
proper celebration of the bi-centennial anniversary of 
the 'city and carry the same into effect ; and that 
Mayor Banks continue as chairman of the committee 
until the matter is entirely disposed of." 

Pursuant to this resolution, the following gentle- 
men were named and served as members of the Citi- 
zens' Bi-Centennial Committee : 





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A. Bleecker 
Robert Lenox Banks, 
Lewis Boss, 
Anthony N. Brady, 
Walter Dickson, 
Franklin M. Danaher, 
Douw H. Fonda, 
Charles E. Jones, 
Rufus H. King, 
J. Townsend Lansing, 
James H. Manning, 
Archibald McClure, 
Edward J. Meegan, 
John C. Nott, 



Banks, Chairman. 
Michael N. Nolan, 
Amasa J. Parker, Jr., 
Robert C. Pruyn, 
John H. Quinby, 
Simon W. Rosendale, 
Samuel B. Towner, 
Wm. B. Van Rensselaer, 
John L. Van Valkenburgh, 
Daniel W. Wemple, 
William M. Whitney, 
Robert D. Williams, 
Horace G. Young, 
John Zimmerman. 



Aldermen 



Galen R. Hitt, 
Patrick McCann, 
Jeremiah Kieley, 
James Thornton, 



August Whitman, 
John J. Greagan, 
David J. Norton, 
George L. Thomas, 



James O. Woodward. 



Extracts from the Minutes of Proceedings of 

THE BI-CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE. 

On January 23, 1886, at a meeting held at the 
Mayor's office, the committee effected its organi- 
zation. Mayor Banks was chosen Chairman ; Mr. 
Robert D. Williams, Recording Secretary, and Mr. 
James H. Manning, Corresponding Secretary. An 
invitation was extended to the various civic, military 
and other organizations of the city to each send one 
delegate to form an advisory committee. The Mayor 
was empowered to designate such sub-committees as 
he should deem advisable, including one to select the 
orator, the poet, and the historian of the celebration. 



The committee again met January 30, 1886, when Mr. 
Daniel W. Wemple was chosen Treasurer. Weekly- 
meetings were ordered to be held on each Thursday 
evening. A communication from Mr. F. C. De 
Leon, Mobile, Ala., a gentleman of large experience 
in the preparation of pageants in southern cities, was 
received, offering his services. The first subscription 
accompanied the following letter : 

Albany, N. Y., January 26, 1886. 
Hon. A. Bleecker Banks, 

Mayor and Chairman Bi-centennial Committee : 
Dear Sir — I am authorized by a vote of the Al- 
bany Burgesses Corps to and hereby send you a sub- 
scription of one hundred dollars towards the fund for 
celebrating the Bi-centennial of our city. 
With respect. 

Yours, etc., 

Henry Haskell, 

Treasurer, A. B. C. 

The question of formulating the plan of the cele- 
bration was referred to the executive committee when 
appointed for their report. 

February 4, 1886. The various sub-committees 
were announced by the chairman and, as subse- 
quently changed and increased, were as follows : 

Executive Committee. 

A. Bleecker Banks, Chairman. 
Robert D. Williams, Sec'y. Walter Dickson, 
John Boyd Thacher, Simon W\ Rosendale, 

Charles E. Jones, Franklin M. Danaher, 

Edward J. Meegan, Uaniel W. Wemple, 

Amasa J. Parker, Jr., Archibald McClure, 



Daniel W. Wemple, Treas. James Thornton, 



Douw H. Fonda. 
Galen R. Hitt, 
Patrick McCann, 
Jeremiah Kieley, 



August Whitman, 
John J. Greagan, 
George L. Thomas, 
David J. Norton, 
James O. Woodward. 



Finance Committee. 
William M. Whitney, Chairman. 



Rufus H. King, 
Michael N. Nolan, 
Robert C. Pruyn, 
Anthony N. Brady, 
J. Townsend Lansing, 
Robert D. Williams, 



Horace G. Young, 
John H. Quinby, 
J. L. Van Valkenburgh, 
Patrick McCann, 
Daniel W. Wemple, 
David J. Norton. 



FROM ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 



Myron A. Cooney, 
John A. Sleicher, 
T. C. Callicott, 
Myron H. Rooker, 



S. N. D. North, 
Fred'k W. White, 
R. M. Griffin, 
E. Miggael. 



Reception Committee. 

Robert Lenox Banks, Chairman. 
Lewis Boss, Samuel B. Towner, 

Archibald McClure, James H. Manning, 

John Zimmerman, Wm. B. Van Rensselaer, 

John C. Nott, August Whitman, 

Robert D. Williams, James O. Woodward. 

Bi-Centennial Loan Commission. 



J. Howard King, President 
Henry J. Ten Eyck, Sec'y. 
Samuel B. Towner, 
Wm. B. Van Rensselaer, 
John C. Nott, 
J. L. Van Valkenburgh, 
Robert D. Williams, 
John Boyd Thacher, 
Charles Tracey, 
Robert S. Oliver, 

John Z 



James T. Gardiner, Vice-Pres. 
Ledyard Cogswell, Treasurer. 
W. O. Stillman, 
Seidell E. Marvin, 
George D. Miller, 
Charles V. Winne, 
Robert C. Pruyn, 
J. Townsend Lansing, 
Lewis Boss, 
Douw H. Fonda, 
immerman. 



Committee on Historical Pageant. 

Lewis Boss, Chairman. 
Walter Dickson, Wm. B. Van Rensselaer, 

James H. Manning, J. L. Van Valkenburgh. 

Committee on Regatta. 

Anthony N. Brady, Chairman. 
Simon W. Rosendale, Charles E. Jones, 

George L. Thomas, Patrick McCann. 

FROM ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 

Henry W. Garfield, Charles Piepenbrink, 

Joseph H. Girvin, Secretary. 

Committee on Military Parade. 

Amasa J. Parker, Jr., Chairman. 
James H. Manning, Franklin M. Danaher, 

J. L. Van Valkenburgh, John C. Nott, 

George L. Thomas. 

FROM ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 

Gen. J. G. Farnsworth, Maj. G. H. Treadwell, 

Gen. Robert S. Oliver, Col. George Krank, 

Maj. James Macfarlane, Cai)t. Oscar Smith, 

Maj. Chas. E. Van Zandt. 

Committee on Civic Parade. 

John H. Quinby, Chairman. 
Daniel W. Wemple, Jeremiah Kieley, 

Horace G. Young, August Whitman. 

FROM ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 

Edward A. Durant, Jr., Emanuel Labishiner, 

John M. Bailey, John Palmer, 

Peter Lasch, Jacob C. Cuyler, 

William K. Clute, Wilharn F. Beutler, 

Henry W. Garfield, Harmon P. Read, 

A. McD. Shoemaker, Samuel C. Harris, 
Herman H. Russ, Jr. 

Committee on Educational Day. 

A. Bleecker Banks, Chairman. 
John Boyd Thacher, Wm. B. Van Rensselaer, 

Amasa J. Parker, Jr., Lewis Boss. 

10 



FROM BOARD OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 

Oren E. Wilson, Charles W. Cole. 

Committee on Trades' Parade. 

Patrick McCann, Chairman. Douw H. Fonda, Secretary. 
J. Townsend Lansing, David J. Norton. 

FROM ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 

Vreeland H. Youngman, P. J. Doyle, 
John Wolf, A. S. Richards, 

William H. Cough try, William Van Amburgh. 

Committee on All Nations' Day. 

Peter Kinnear, Chairman. Michael N. Nolan, 

J. Townsend Lansing, Edward J. Meegan, 

Wm. B. Van Rensselaer, John Zimmerman, 

Robert C. Pruyn, John J. Greagan. 

FROM ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 

Mathias Bissikummer, Samuel H. Mando, 

Max Kurth, Peter Lasch, 

Emanuel Labishiner, Andrew Donner, 

John Brannigan, Edward Ogden, 

John Thompson, Jr.. Adolph Picard, 

Attillio Pasquini, James H. Hannigan, 

Henry Martin, John J. Walsh, 

John J. Riley, Thomas S. O'Brien, 

Michael J. Slattery, David Healy, 
James McFarlane. 

Committee on Fireworks. 

Wm. M. Whitney, Chairman. Edward J. Meegan, 
Rufus H. King, George L. Thomas. 

FROM ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 

Peter Kinnear, Mathias Bissikummer, 

Samuel C. Harris. 

Committee on Decorations and Monumenting. 

Walter Dickson, Chairman. 
Charles E. Jones, Samuel B. Towner. 

FROM ADVISORY COMMI'lTEE. 

Leonard Kip, Harmon P. Read, 

Wheeler B. Melius, George R. Howell. 

II 



Committee on Music. 

Daniel W. Wemple, Chairman. 
James H. Manning, Robert D. Williams. 

Committee on Orator, Historian and Poet. 

A. Bleecker Banks, Chairman. 
John Boyd Thacher, Amasa J. Parker, Jr., 

Lewis Boss, Wm. Bayard Van Rensselaer. 

Committee on Bi-Centennial Flag and Medal. 

Franklin M. Danaher, Chairman. 
WiUiam M. Whitney, Walter Dickson, 

Archibald McClure, James H. Manning. 

Auditing Board, 

A, Bleecker Banks, Archibald McClure, 

Robert D. Williams. 

Printing Committee. 

A. Bleecker Banks, Chairman. Daniel W. Wemple, 
Simon W. Rosendale, J. O. Woodward, 

E. J. Meegan, Robert D. Williams. 

Press Committee. 

James H, Manning, Chairman. 
Myron A. Cooney, Theophilus C. Callicott, 

John A. Sleicher, Eugene T. Chamberlain, 

Myron H. Rooker, Richard M. Griffin, 

S. N. D. North, Edward Miggael, 

Frederick W. WHiite, Desmond S. Lamb. 



Bureau of Information and Accommodation. 

480 Broadway, near Maiden lane. 

John Boyd Thacher, Chaiman. 

Robert D. Williams, 

James H. Manning, 

Daniel W. Wemple, 

W. S. McKean, Chief of Bureau. 

12 



Advisory Committee. 



DELEGATES NAMED BY THEIR SEVERAL ORGANIZATIONS. 



Addington, George 
Ames, F. Le Grand 
Andrews, Arthur L. 
Auer, Louis 
Bailey, John M. 
Bender, Louis 
Beutler, WilHam F. 
Bissikummer, M. 
Brady, John T. 
Branigan, John 
Biichs, John 
Burdick, J. W. 
CaUicott, T. C. 
Chamberlain, E. T. 
Clute, WiUiam K. 
Cole, A. D. 
Cole, Charles W. 
Cooney, M. A, 
Cough try, WiUiam H. 
Cummings, J. G. 
Cuyler, J. C. 
Dederick, P. J. 
De Witt, R. V. 
Donner, Andrew 
Douge, J. A. 
Doyle, John 
Doyle, P. J. 
Dulin, James F. 
Durant, Jr., E. A. 
Elkins, Thomas 
Farnsworth, J. G. 
Fisher, Fred. W. 
Fitch, William E. 
Flannigan, J. J. 
Friedman, J. S. 
Froehlich, Frank 
Gabler, F. 
Gardiner, James H. 
Garfield, H. W. 
Girvin, Joseph H. 



Gray, James 
Greig, C. N. 
Griffin, M. 
Guardeneer, G. H. 
Haak, John 
Hacker, W. 
Haiss, Eugene 
Hale, Matthew 
Harris, S. C. 
Haucmann, C. 
Healy, David 
Henzel, H. 
Hinkle, C. 
Hoffiiian, Henry 
Hunter, J. H. 
Jennings, William H. 
Kampfer, Frank 
Kane, WiUiam J. 
Kenel, Victor 
Kessler, August 
Kiernan, A. B. 
Kies, Henry 
Kinnear, Peter 
Kip, Leonard 
Krank, George 
Kundel, P. F. 
Kurth, Max 
Labishiner, E. 
Lange, F. 
Lansing, L D. F. 
La Preze, Joseph 
Lasch, Peter 
Louden, M. J. 
Macfarlane, James 
Mando, S. H. 
Manning, T. J. 
Martin, Henry 
Mattimore, P. F. 
McCabe, J. F. 
McCarthy, F. 



13 



McDonald, J. 
McFarlane, James 
McGowan, M. F. 
McGraw, John 
McNaught'on, William H. 
Meade, Louis 
Melius, W. B. 
Miggael, A. 
Mills, F. W. 
Moran, J. J. 
Morrell, F. D. 
Murphy, P. H. 
Neil, Jr., John 
Niblock, John 
North, S/N. D. 
O'Brien, James 
O'Brien, Thomas S. 
O'Byrne, J. J. 
Ogden, Edward 
Oliver, Robert S. 
Oppenheim, W. L, 
Palmer, John 
Pareira, A. 
Pasquini, Attilio 
Pender, James J. 
Picard, Adolph 
Piepenbrink, Charles 
Pierson, D. A. 
Pierson, H. R. 
Pratt, L. W. 
Read, H. P. 
ReiUy, J. J. 
Richards, A. S. 
Riley, J. H. J. 



Roberts, C. J. 
Rogers, Francis 
Ronan, D. A. 
Rooker, Myron H. 
Rowe, M. L. 
Ruso, James M. 
Russ, Jr., H. H. 
Sarauw, F. W. 
Sausbier, William 
Severance, M. J. 
Shattuck, James 
Shoemaker, A. McD, 
Sickles, H. E. 
Slattery, M. J. 
Sleicher, John A. 
Smith, H. F. 
Smith, Oscar 
Sonnenfield, T. 
Strain, Alex. 

Thacher, Jr., George H. 
Thomson, Jr., John 
Treadvvell, George H. 
Upjohn, J. W. 
Van Amburgh, William 
Van Valkenburgh, J. W. 
Walsh, John W. 
Warner, James M. 
Weyrick, Fred. 
White, F. W. 
Wolf, John 
Yorke, Joseph W. 
Young, Matthew 
Youngman, V. H. 



Former Celebrations. 

At this meeting Prof. Lewis Boss stated that he 
had taken pains to learn some of the notable cele- 
brations that had taken place before in Albany, and 
read a very interesting account of them, of which the 
following is an abstract : 



14 



The most notable of Albany's celebrations were, 
July 22, 1786, centennial of Albany city charter; 
August 8, 1788, celebration of the ratification of the 
Constitution of the United States by the State of 
New York; October 8, 1823, passage of the first 
boat from the Erie canal into the Hudson river ; No- 
vember 2, 1825, celebration of formal opening of the 
Erie canal, when the first boat came through from 
Buffalo. Prof Boss thought the best of these, and 
the one which the coming event should be most like, 
was that of 1788. Twenty days after the celebration 
a full page account of it was published in the "Albany 
Gazette." From this account Prof. Boss had made 
many memoranda. A citizens committee had charge 
of the arrangements. The line, made up of various 
trades and military, formed in the fields near Water- 
vliet. Portable shops were arranged on vehicles, and 
the various industries were represented during the 
march. The Constitution, engrossed on parchment, 
suspended on a staff, was carried by Major-General 
Schuyler, while John H. Wendell bore the standard 
of the United States, and eleven ancient citizens 
walked near by. An elegant plow was guarded by 
Stephen Van Rensselaer. The State standard was 
carried by Major John I. P. Ten Eyck. To the west 
of Fort Frederick a Federal bower fifteen by forty- 
four feet was erected, and in this all the participants 
in the parade were fed. The march was resumed 
after the dinner and took its way to the spacious pas- 
tures south of Fort Orange, where it was dismissed. 
One feature of the parade, quoting from the " Ga- 
zette," was : 



15 



"'A bateau, elegantly painted and decorated, on a 
carriage drawn by two gray horses, neatly capari- 
soned, loaded with goods proper for the Indian trade, 
navigated by a proper number of bateaumen, fur- 
nished with setting poles, paddles, etc., which were 
used with great skill during the procession, Mr. 
Gerardous Lansing, in the character of a trader and 
an Indian properly dressed and ornamented, sitting 
in the stern.' During the time of the repast, the ba- 
teau made a voyage toward the Mohawk country and 
returned with a full cargo of peltry. The Federal 
bower made an highly elegant appearance. It was 
erected on the most advantageous parts of the heights 
west of Fort Frederick, commanding the most ex- 
tended prospects of any situation near the city ; and 
when the flags of the respective divisions were dis- 
played on its battlements, that of the United States 
on the centre, that of the State on the right, and the 
farmers on the left, the coup d'oeil was extremely 
pleasing. The edifice was one hundred and fifty-four 
feet in length and forty-four feet in breadth, and was 
raised upon four rows of pillars, fifteen feet in height, 
which were closely wreathed with foliage, and com- 
posed eleven arches in front. The company was 
' marched off in regular divisions to the tables which 
were plentifully covered with substantial American 
cheer.' The tables were eleven in number placed 
across the colonnade parallel with the eleven arches. 
They were by no means sufficient for the company, 
which, in its extent, far exceeded the expectations 
of the warmest favorers of the procession. Yet, so 
lively was the pleasurable spirit of accommodation, 



i6 



so general was the wish of dififuse satisfaction, that no 
inconvenience was felt or complained of by any." 

February lo, 1886. The Schubert Club tendered 
their services for the celebration. The Aldermen 
constituting the Committee of the Common Council 
on Public Celebrations were added to the Executive 
Committee. 

February 18, 1886. James V. Viggers was ap- 
pointed as assistant to both secretaries at a salary 
of two hundred dollars. The Executive Committee 
reported the following recommendations : That six 
days be devoted to the celebration ; that Sunday 
preceding the anniversary be observed in the various 
churches with all such exercises as might seem 
proper; that Monday be devoted to the celebration 
of all the schools under the direction and manage- 
ment of the Board of Public Instruction, and that 
Tuesday be assigned as a day for the various nation- 
alities to have such celebration as they might decide 
upon. The report was unanimously accepted and 
further time granted the committee in which to per- 
fect their programme. It was also resolved : That a 
committee of three be appointed to consider the ad- 
visability of holding, previous to and during the Bi- 
centennial celebration, a loan exhibition of antiqui- 
ties and articles of historical and local interest. 

At the meeting of March 4, 1886, the following 
communication was received : 

Albany, N. Y., March i, 1886. 
President of the Bi-Centennial Commission : 

Dear Sir — A number of gentlemen, among whom are 
Messrs. J. Howard King, Robert C. Pruyn, Dudley Olcott, 

17 



John G. Myers, J. Townsend Lansing, W. Bayard Van 
Rensselaer, John E. McEhoy, John Boyd Thacher, W. O. 
StiUvvell, James T. Gardiner, Henry Russell, George D. 
Fearey, Ledyard Cogswell, James B. Jermain, Geo. D. 
Miller and Frederick D. Mather, having joined together to 
form a Colonial Loan Commission for the purpose of hold- 
ing an exhibition of objects of colonial interest during the 
Bi-centennial celebration, and, desiring to get in conjunc- 
tion with the Bi-centennial Committee, have appointed Mr. 
George D. Fearey as a member of the Bi-centennial Advis 
ory Committee and would respectfully suggest the appoint- 
ment of three members of the Loan Commission. 

The expenditure of moneys was directed to be 
made only by a vote of at least fifteen members of 
the committee. The Executive Committee submit- 
ted their detailed programme of the celebration as 
follows : 

1686 — Bi-Centennial — 1886. 
report of the executive committee. 

Albany, March 4, 1886. 
To THE Citizens' Committee: 

The Executive Committee who were directed to 
report and prepare a plan of the celebration of Al- 
bany's Bi-centennial, based upon a resolution that 
the celebration was to begin on Sunday and end on 
Friday night of the week in which the anniversary 
occurs, do report as follows : The report presenting 
nothing but the salient features, the details and par- 
ticular character of the matters proposed to be fur- 
ther considered and reported upon by the various 
sub-committees to be appointed. 

Sunday, July 18. 
To be a day of general religious observance, with 
special memorial and historical sermons and exer- 



cises, appropriate to the occasion in all the churches 
in the city, at such hours as best suits the conven- 
ience of each. 

It is recommended that the sermons be based upon 
the history of the churches in which they are respect- 
ively delivered with special reference to their devel- 
opment and growth in Albany, and that by invitation 
the pulpits be thrown open to distinguished divines, 
either born in Albany, or who, at some time in their 
ministerial careers, officiated here. 

The sermons to be printed in a memorial volume, 
if any such be published, 

Monday, July 19 — Educational Day. 

The school children of Albany to assemble in some 
public place for exercises, singing, recitations and 
addresses. The programme to be reported by the 
committee appointed to act in the matter with the 
Board of Public Instruction. 

Historic spots to be monumented and addresses, 
germane to the occasion, delivered at each place 
marked. 

Tuesday, July 20 — The Day of All Nations. 

The day to be set apart for national sports, exer- 
cises and observances ; the same to be under the di- 
rection and control of the German, Irish, English, 
Scotch, French, Italian, Holland and other national 
societies, in such manner and form as they may de- 
termine and in such places as they may select. 

In the Afternoon: A regatta, amateur and pro- 
fessional, over the Island course subject to the action 

19 



of the railroad, steamboat and Island authorities. A 
yacht race in front of the city. 

In the Night : A river parade of illuminated and 
decorated steamboats, with music and fire-work ac- 
companiments. 

Wednesday, July 21 — Civic Day. 

Sunrise : The day to be ushered in at sunrise by 
a national salute of thirty-eight guns. 

10 A. M. : Grand parade of all civic bodies and fire- 
men's tournament. The national societies, Knights 
Templars, uniformed Odd Fellows, uniformed Knights 
of Pythias, singing societies, Albany's Fire Depart- 
ment, exempt firemen, visiting fire companies, etc. 

Afternoon : Continuation of and second day of 
the regatta. Grand canoeing tournament in front of 
city. 

At Night : A grand historical pageant, under 
calcium and electric light and colored fires, showing 
the contrasts of the past with the present — the growth 
of two centuries — and placing before the people, in 
living tableaux, the historical events and great men 
in Albany's romantic Colonial and Revolutionary 
history. The floats to be manned and provided, 
under the direction of the sub-committee, by the 
various national and fraternal societies or military 
companies ; or a grand torchlight procession with his-' 
torical features of firemen, political and fraternal or- 
ganizations. After parading, to mass in State street, 
at 12 o'clock, midnight, when, amid the huzzas of 
the people, a shower of rockets, bombs and Roman 
candles, the ringing of the bells of all the churches, 
the blowing of whistles, and the singing of the Na- 

20 



tional anthem by the people, to usher in the anniver- 
sary day. 

It is recommended that the citizens decorate their 
houses and places of business for the week, and illu- 
minate them on Wednesday night. 

Thursday, July 22 — Bi-Centennial Day. 

12 P. M. : As before. 

Sunrise: A Bi-centennial salute of two hundred 
guns to be fired, fifty guns at four different places in 
the city, 

In the Morning : A grand military procession, 
as escort to orator, poet, city guests, etc., to place of 
Bi-centennial exercises. 

Bi-Centennial Exercises : Music, invocation, 
singing, poems, orations, addresses, etc. 

Night: Fire-works, also municipal reception to 
distinguished guests, orators, poet, etc. 

Friday, July 23 — Trades and Manufactures. 

A grand parade of all the Trades' Unions, Trades' 
Assemblies and Knights of Labor, manufacturing and 
business interests ; Grocers' and Butchers' Associa- 
tion ; butchers, with decorated prize cattle ; brewers, 
with decorated hogsheads with Gambrinus astride; 
printers, carpenters, tanners, cigarmakers, etc., at 
work on the floats, illustrating Albany's business and 
trade interests and development after two centuries. 

Afternoon : Grand open-air concert. 

Night: Singing by Albany singing societies, in 
the Capitol Park, with a discharge of rockets, bombs, 
etc., as a grand finale. 

21 



Your committee further recommend : 

I. A loan exhibition of Albany's antiquities, heir- 
looms, historical mementoes and objects of art, for a 
nominal admission fee. 

II. An appropriate Bi-centennial medal, to be 
struck off, as a memento of the occasion, in gold, 
silver and bronze, copies to be presented to dis- 
tinguished guests and others, to be sold to defray its 
cost. 

III. The awarding of suitable money prizes to vis- 
iting fire companies for merit, best drilled company, 
handsomest uniform, oldest apparatus in line, finest 
modern apparatus in line, etc. 

IV. An appropriation, in money, for prizes for the 
professional regatta, the purchase of suitable trophies 
for the amateur regatta and for the yacht and canoe 
races. 

V. The donation by this committee of two medals, 
one for a boy and one for a girl scholar in Albany's 
school who will write, under the conditions to be 
prescribed, the best essay on "Albany's History and 
Growth in Two Centuries." 

VI. The hiring of bands of music, to be always at 
the disposal of this committee and to be used when 
and where required. 

VII. The adoption of a Bi-centennial flag, the style 
of which to be kept secret until ready for distribution. 

VIII. The hiring of rooms in various hotels for the 
guests of the city on the occasion in question. 

IX. The procurement of an elegantly steel en- 
graved card of invitation, for general purposes, and 
a special one for guests, not transferable. 

22 



X. The hiring of the rink for one week for all pur- 
poses required. 

XI. Invitations, as guests, to be sent to the Presi- 
dent of the United States and his cabinet ; the Gov- 
ernor and his staff; the Governors of the thirty-eight 
States ; the Mayors of all the cities of this State ; the 
ex-Mayors of Albany ; Generals Sherman, Sheridan, 
Terry, and others. 

XII. The committee to decorate the public build- 
ings, erect triumphant arches, etc., wherever required, 
etc. 

The committee recommend the adoption of the 
following resolution : 

I. Resolved, That the Chairman appoint the fol- 
lowing sub-committees : 

On Regatta. To have charge and the manage- 
ment of the regatta, and the river parade, canoe and 
yacht races. 

On Civic Parade. To have charge and the man- 
agement of the civic parade and of the firemen's tour- 
nament. 

On Military Parade. To have charge of and 
the management of the military parade. 

On Historical Pageant. To have charge and 
the management of the parade on Wednesday night. 

On Fire-Works. To have charge of same. 

On Loan Exhibition. To have charge of same. 

On Trade Parade. To have charge of same. 

On Decorations, To have charge of same and 
of monumenting the city if deemed advisable. 

On All Nations' Day. To guide and direct 
same as far as deemed practicable. 

23 



II. Resolved, That the Reception Committee 
have in charge the municipal reception and the per- 
sonal comfort and welcoming of the city's guests. 

III. Resolved, That the Committee on Orator, 
etc., have in charge the Bi-centennial literary exer- 
cises of the Children's Day, on Monday, and the 
conditions on which medals shall be awarded for 
scholars' essay. 

IV. Resolved, That the Chairman be directed to 
appoint on the various sub-committees mentioned in 
the first resolution, the members of the Advisory 
Committee in such numbers and in such manner as 
the best interests of the celebration will demand. 

V. Resolved, That the sub-committees be di- 
rected to consider all the matters under their charge 
and report, with all convenient speed, the approxi- 
mate cost of all they intend to do. 

VI. Resolved, That all contracts be in the name 
of the General Committee. 

That no sub-committee be authorized to expend 
any money or incur any liability without the author- 
ity of the General Committee. 

That no contract involving the expenditure of 
money be entered into without the approval of the 
Finance Committee. 

VII. Resolved, That all matters not hereinbefore 
specifically delegated unless otherwise ordered, be in 
the charge of the Executive Committee. 

VIII. Resolved, That all bills for any expendi- 
ture of money by the Bi-centennial Committee shall, 
before payment, be referred to the Finance Commit- 
tee for examination. The said Finance Committee, 

24 



or a majority of them, shall make a written report on 
each bill so referred with their opinion as to the cor- 
rectness of said bill, before said bill shall be passed 
upon by the said Bi-centennial Committee. All such 
reports shall be entered in full upon the minutes of 
the said committee. 

IX. Resolved, That the Treasurer of the Bi-cen- 
tennial Committee shall receive and hold all moneys 
which shall hereafter come into his hands, and shall 
pay out the same only on the order of the said com- 
mittee. All orders of the said committee upon the 
Treasurer, for the payment of money, shall specify 
the object for which the payment is to be made, and 
shall be signed by the Chairman, and countersigned 
by the Secretary of the said committee, but no ap- 
propriation of money shall be made by the said com- 
mittee, nor any resolution adopted, involving the 
expenditure of money for any purpose, unless first 
approved of by the Finance Committee, and then re- 
ceive a vote of fifteen members of the Bi-centennial 
Committee, which is understood to be composed of 
the twenty-five appointees of the Mayor, and the five 
members of the Aldermanic Committee on Public 
Celebrations. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

A. Bleecker Banks, 
Mayor, and Chairman Executive Committee. 

Robert D. Williams, Secretary. 

The Executive Committee were also directed to 
report as to the feasibility providing for the appro- 
priation and publication of a memorial volume of the 
Bi-centennial. 

25 



March ii, 1886. The Chairman reported that he 
had several times conferred with the projectors of the 
Loan Exhibition, and that they were anxious to join 
with the committee, with a view of making the dis- 
play a memorable one and in every way worthy of 
the sight ; and it was thereupon resolved, that the 
Chairman be and he hereby is authorized to appoint 
a committee of twenty, of which ten shall be mem- 
bers of this Bi-centennial Committee and ten of citi- 
zens outside of the committee, to organize and carry 
on, subject to the approval of the Bi-centennial Com- 
mittee, a loan exhibition in connection with the Bi- 
centennial celebration, and said committee to be 
known as the " Citizens' Bi-centennial Loan Exhibi- 
tion Committee." At this meeting, the Executive 
Committee also recommended the final action on the 
programme be deferred until after a meeting of the 
Advisory Committee which was called for March 14, 
1886. Several amendments to the programme as 
reported were also submitted by the members. Sub- 
committees were also ordered to be appointed by the 
Chair, as follows : For military parade, on fire-works, 
on dress parade, on civic parade, on historical pa- 
geant, on Loan Exhibition, on decorations, on All 
Nations' Day. Mr. Robert Lenox Banks, from the 
Washington Park Commissioners, reported that they 
would grant the use of Washington Park for fire- 
works or parade. 

March 18, 1886. The Chairman named the fol- 
lowing as members of the Bi-centennial Loan Com- 
mission : J. Howard King, Chairman; Robert C. 
Pruyn, J. Townsend Lansing, Lewis Boss, Douw H. 

26 



Fonda, John Zimmerman, Samuel B. Towner, Wm. 
B. Van Rensselaer, Hon. John C. Nott, John L. Van 
Valkenburgh, Robert D. Williams, of the Bi-centen- 
nial Committee, and John Boyd Thacher, Charles 
Tracy, Robert S. Oliver, Henry J. Ten Eyck, VV. O. 
Stillwell, Selden E. Marvin, John T. Gardiner, Geo. 
D. Miller and Chas. V. Winne on behalf of the citi- 
zens. It was also resolved that the matter of the 
feasibility and expense of the historical pageant be 
referred to the Executive Committee, and that they 
be authorized, if it is deemed expedient, to invite Mr. 
De Leon to visit Albany and confer with the Citi- 
zens' Committee, and that two hundred dollars be 
appropriated or as much thereof as may be necessary 
for that purpose. 

On March 25, 1886, the joint meeting of the Citi- 
zens' Bi-centennial and the Advisory Committees was 
held in the Common Council chamber, at which sev- 
enteen members of the Bi-centennial and thirteen 
members of the Advisory Committees convened. 
The matter discussed was the proposed programme 
as reported by the Executive Committee. 

April I, 1886. The committee considered various 
suggestions previously made at the joint meeting and 
adopted, among others, one, that the National Asso- 
ciation of Amateur Oarsmen should be invited to 
hold their regatta here during the Bi-centennial week, 
and $1,850 was appropriated to cover the expenses, 
as a substitute for the professional regatta first pro- 
posed. 

April 8, 1886. The Chairman announced the 
Committee on Regatta: Anthony N. Brady, Patrick 

27 



McCann, Henry W. Garfield, Simon W. Rosendale, 
Charles E. Jones, Joseph H. Girvin, Charles Piepen- 
brink. Subscriptions towards the expense of the 
regatta, by Mr. Hickey, of $750, by Mr. George 
Marks, of $350, were reported. Col.T. C. De Leon, 
pursuant to a former invitation, appeared before the 
committee and explained at length the matter of the 
historical pageant. He was tendered a vote of thanks, 
and a sub-committee of five, consisting of Professor 
Lewis Boss, W. B. Van Rensselaer, Walter Dickson, 
James H. Manning and John L. Van Valkenburgh, 
were appointed to confer with him and report a plan 
and an estimate of probable cost. A committee of 
the Board of Public Instruction communicated a pro- 
posed plan of exercises for Educational Day, as fol- 
lows : The school children shall gather at the sev- 
eral school buildings in the morning and march to 
the building or inclosure provided for large gather- 
ings, and there take part in literary and musical 
exercises. The programme of the literary exercises 
should be made to illustrate important incidents of 
the settlement and progress of the city, and the sub- 
ject-matter to be rendered and the costuming of the 
members shall be typical of the epoch illustrated ; 
the musical parts shall be rendered by the chorus of 
from six to eight hundred voices, specially trained 
for the occasion, aided by an ample orchestra and 
supported in the patriotic and familiar choruses by 
the entire body of pupils. The presentation of two 
prizes off"ered for the best essays on "Albany's His- 
tory and Growth in Two Centuries," to the success- 
ful competitors, by the Mayor on behalf of the city, 

28 



shall be made a prominent feature in the programme. 
Aside from this presentation and the reading of the 
awards, all the parts on the programme shall be 
sustained by the school children, and all the school 
children in the city shall be invited to participate. 
The following were conditions of competition for 
the two prizes offered by the Citizens' Committee, 
one for a boy, and one for a girl scholar in any 
school in the city of Albany, who will write the best 
essay on "Albany's History and Growth in Two 
Centuries : " 

1. Each competitor must be a resident of the city. 

2. He must be an attendant of a regular organized 
school. 

3. The essay must not exceed thirty-five hundred 
words in length. 

4. It must be written on one side only of letter 
paper. 

5. It must be signed by a fictitious name, and a 
sealed envelope endorsed with the fictitious name and 
inclosing the card having the real name and school 
of the competitor, must accompany the essay. 

6. The essays and the accompanying envelopes 
must be left at the office of the Superintendent of 
Schools in the High School, on or before Friday, the 
25th day of June, 1886. 

April 15, 1886. A communication was received 
accepting the invitation extended the National As- 
sociation of Amateur Oarsmen to hold the annual 
regatta during Bi-centennial week. Professor Boss, 
from the sub-committee on historical pageant, pre- 
sented the following report : 



29 



Report of the sub-committee appointed to confer 
with Mr. T. C. De Leon in the matter of the histori- 
cal pageant : 

To THE Citizens' Bi-Centennial Committee : 

The resolution, under which your committee was 
appointed, directed us to confer with Mr. T. C. De 
Leon, of Mobile, in the matter of the proposed his- 
torical pageant, and to report the results of our inves- 
tigation to the General Committee. These terms of 
our commission were rather vague and general, and 
we have given them a broad construction, realizing, 
as we now do, that if affirmative action is to be taken 
in regard to the historical pageant that the saving of 
time is very important. 

Your committee, with a full attendance, has held 
daily meetings upon the subject referred to it, and 
has devoted a great deal of time, both individually 
and as a committee, to the examination of all ques- 
tions upon which it was deemed that information 
is desirable, in order that the General Committee, 
to which this report is made, may act intelligently 
thereupon. 

L 

In our investigation and in this report, it has ap- 
peared to us that the first question is as to the advis- 
ability of the proposed historical pageant, irrespective 
of matters relating to ways and means or to obstacles 
tending to make its production difficult or impos- 
sible. 

On this point, we are strongly of the opinion that 
some such feature in our Bi-centennial celebration is 



30 



desirable. Our conferences with Mr. De Leon have 
convinced us that the history of Albany, with the 
events that led up to the founding of this city, afford 
ample material for the formation of a pageant which 
shall be not only instructive to our own people and 
to those who may visit us, but also attractive in 
appearance, as well as thoroughly appropriate and 
interesting as an entertainment apart from the senti- 
ment involved. 

Members of the committee submitted to Mr. De 
Leon subjects and incidents relating to our history, 
with a request to him to make a written report to us, 
showing whether the topics could be advantageously 
illustrated on so-called floats in the manner custom- 
ary in Mobile, New Orleans, Baltimore and other 
cities in their well-known mystic pageants. On this 
point, the report of Mr. De Leon was in a high 
degree satisfactory to us. From the matter sub- 
mitted to him, Mr. De Leon sketched descriptions of 
twenty-one floats, from which a choice may be made 
that will not be lacking either in interest or in the 
facility for brilliant treatment and dazzling effects. 
This portion of our report we desire to hold con- 
fidentially, to be submitted to the sub-committee 
having charge of the proposed pageant, should the 
pageant itself be authorized and such committee be 
appointed. The reasons for this request will be 
more fully stated in another communication from us. 

The number of floats which appears most suitable 
is sixteen, including the first or title float. They can 
be made of various dimensions. The sizes, demon- 
strated by experience to be most suitable and man- 



31 



ageable, are from eight by sixteen to ten by twenty 
feet. 

Floats of this size and of approved construction 
require two horses for hauling, and experience has 
shown that it is desirable to use as few horses as 
possible. The floats should succeed each other in 
the parade at intervals of from sixty to one hundred 
feet and be carried along as slowly as possible with 
constant movement. We estimate that a parade, con- 
sisting of sixteen floats, headed by a band, would be 
quarter of an hour in passing a given point. Each 
float would be preceded by a transparency show- 
ing, in plain lettering, the subject-matter of the float 
which follows it ; and the bearers of these trans- 
parencies, together with all other employees in the 
mechanical service of the parade, would be made as 
inconspicuous as possible. 

We assume that the general character of the floats 
themselves, is already sufficiently understood by this 
committee. They consist of a box construction fit- 
ting over the wheels, as a base ; and on this is placed 
the scenery or other erections required in the rep- 
resentations proposed. The floats are lighted by 
" lamp men " from the two sides, and further illu- 
minated by red and other colored fires furnished by 
the "firemen" accompanying the parade. A num- 
ber of experts accompany the parade for its mechan- 
ical management and to be serviceable in case of 
accident. 

The floats virtually constitute a series of moving 
tableaux. The success of the representation largely 
depends upon the good behavior, good taste and in- 

32 



telligence of those who are chosen to appear in these 
tableaux, representing, as they do, distinguished per- 
sonages in history and actors in events described. 
Careful inquiry and consideration leads us to the 
conclusion that volunteers must be depended upon 
for this service, which is not only highly responsible 
and arduous, but also requires persons of intelligence 
who have some pride in the success of the parade. 
We have been led to believe that Albany has a suf- 
ficient number of public-spirited young men compe- 
tent for the duty required, who would volunteer to 
supply characters in the tableaux when their services 
are needed. 

If a full parade of floats is not desired, the only 
practicable alternatives appear to be either a parade 
on horse-back or a foot parade, neither of which pre- 
sents arguments in its favor that we are prepared to 
approve. Investigations by your committee have 
shown that a creditable parade on horse-back would 
cost equally as much as the proposed historical 
pageant. A foot parade, at the best, would be en- 
tirely unsatisfactory, could not be made a conspicu- 
ous feature of the celebration, and, if any adequate 
attempt were made, would prove very costly. It is 
likely that many volunteer processions in costume 
will take place during the Bi-centennial week which 
would tend to impair the enjoyment of any novelty 
that might be attempted in a foot parade on Wednes- 
day night. Should it be decided to abandon the 
idea of having a historical pageant, it would then 
appear that some entirely different feature of public 
amusement should be substituted. 



33 



Thus far we have considered this subject simply in 
relation to its general bearings and desirability as a 
form of public entertainment, apart from the ob- 
stacles to accomplishment which might render the 
undertaking difficult or out of the question, and en- 
tirely aside from the factor of cost as related to ways 
and means and return for the money expended. 

II. 

Your committee has given close attention to the 
difficulties which the production of a historical pa- 
geant here in Albany involves. 

The construction of floats would last several weeks, 
and during that time the use of a large building (say 
twenty-five by one hundred and seventy-five feet) 
would be required. The place of construction must 
be conveniently accessible from the line of parade 
over a level and fairly well-paved street. So far as 
we are able to learn, no suitable locality for the 
purpose can be chosen in the lower part of the city. 
Some point in the western part of the city would 
probably have to be selected, and we are of the 
opinion that it would be necessary to construct a 
building for the purpose. 

The question whether a suitable line of parade 
can be selected is of paramount importance. Rough 
pavement presents a serious obstacle to the successful 
moving of floats. It is practically out of the question 
to descend the steeper grades found in our streets, 
and even the ascent, which is much less difficult, can- 
not be thought of in many localities. A height of 
sixteen feet is believed to be the maximum really 
required in the programme submitted to us by Mr. 

34 



De Leon, and, therefore, there must be a clear space 
equal to seventeen or eighteen feet in height over the 
entire route selected. Any telegraph or other lines 
as well as any branches of trees which hang below 
this limit must be raised or removed. After a de- 
tailed examination of our principal thoroughfares 
and of connecting streets, we are decidedly of the 
opinion that a selection of a feasible route for the 
parade presents no essential difficulty. There are 
places in which wires would have to be raised, but 
the extent of these is small and the number of wires 
comparatively few. We also have reason to believe 
that there will not be the least difficulty in securing 
the proper remedy in the case of telegraph, tele- 
phone and electric light wires which may interfere 
with a selected route. After careful inspection, we 
find that it would be entirely feasible to carry the 
pageant down Hudson avenue to Pearl street, thence 
to Clinton avenue, up Clinton avenue to Lark street, 
thence to the place of beginning ; and this, together 
with portions of Washington avenue and State street 
with short connecting streets, appears to constitute 
the only available route. Members of the Citizens' 
Committee will readily understand this decision when 
they consider the peculiar structure of bulky floats 
supporting tableaux high in air, requiring plenty of 
space and favorable grades, especially at all turning 
points. 

Reference has already been made to the difficulty 
of supplying characters for the tableaux upon the 
floats. We are confident that volunteers can be 
secured. 



35 



There is some danger of break-downs and other 
accidents to the moving pageant. The contractor or 
manager, with his assistants, looks after such contin- 
gencies. A number of expert mechanics accompany 
the parade, ready for emergencies, with tools, extra 
wheels and other material. 

The parade cannot be moved in the rain. In case 
the parade could not be moved on Wednesday night 
on account of rain, Thursday or Friday night would 
still be available — and even Saturday night, if we 
should be so unfortunate as to have three rainy 
nights in succession. Such postponement would en- 
tail no extra expense to the committee. 

These and many other natural and mechanical ob- 
stacles to the successful production of the proposed 
pageant have been considered in detail and with 
painstaking care by your committee, and we are of 
the opinion that they do not, in themselves, consti- 
tute a valid argument against the possibility of the 
parade. 

After carefully weighing all the facts and argu- 
ments in the case, we are decidedly of the opinion 
that the proposed historical pageant should be pre- 
sented to the public in first-class style or not at all. 
Those who have seen similar exhibitions in Balti- 
more, New Orleans and other cities should find in Al- 
bany no warrant for unfavorable comparisons. We 
have reflected upon the fact that our undertaking, if 
adopted, will be essentially different in spirit from 
anything previously undertaken in the same general 
line. It will be incumbent upon us to show that a 
strictly historical theme offers equal, and it is to be 

36 



hoped, ven more satisfactory facilities for illustration 
than have been afforded by mystic performances else- 
where. It may fairly be expected that our pageant 
will be in one sense a pioneer effort, and that it will 
become an exemplar in similar undertakings else- 
where in the future. We have carefully considered 
the matter in this light, and we are convinced that 
the proposed pageant cannot be put upon the streets 
for a sum much less than $io,ooo. We do not be- 
lieve that the people could be properly entertained, 
or the members of this committee satisfied, with any 
show of this kind that could be produced for a sum 
materially less than the one we have mentioned. 

Whether this very large sum can properly be de- 
voted to such a purpose, each member of this com- 
mittee must decide for himself. 

III. 

In response to a request from your committee for 
estimates, Mr. De Leon has expressed his willingness 
to contract to prepare such a pageant, according to 
plans and specifications, in first-class style, and con- 
sisting of sixteen floats, for the gross sum of $9,000. 
He would make a deduction of $500 for each float 
less than the number selected. For this sum, he will 
turn over to the committee, the parade completely 
constructed and manned, except that he cannot en- 
gage to procure the figurantes or characters for the 
living tableaux upon the floats. As before stated, 
these should be volunteers provided by this com- 
mittee ; and he estimates that seventy-five of them 
would be needed. 



37 



The men he will furnish for carrying the parade 
through the streets will be as follows : Experts, 
6; title-bearers, 15; lamp men, 70; "firemen," 32; 
grooms, 32. He estimates that forty horses will be 
needed, and these he will also provide. 

The Bi-centennial Committee, if it should accept 
Mr. De Leon's proposals, would have to provide a 
building for construction. This building should be 
about one hundred and seventy-five feet long, twenty 
feet wide and twenty feet high in the clear; and we 
estimate that such a building, if constructed by us, 
will cost about $750 net. 

In view of the facts which we have already pre- 
sented, and which are supplemented by a great vari- 
ety of facts and arguments that could not be well set 
forth in the limits of this report, your committee 
respectfully submits the following conclusions : 

1. The matter of the proposed historical pageant 
must be decided at once. 

2. While your action upon the main question does 
not directly and formally make an appropriation, the 
matter is one of great importance, and we, therefore, 
recommend that previous to voting upon it a resolu- 
tion be passed requiring that fifteen affirmative votes 
shall be necessary for the adoption of any pro- 
position authorizing the production of a historical 
pageant. 

3. We are of the opinion that it is desirable to 
carry out the design for a historical pageant. 

4. The success of a parade, such as is proposed, 
depends largely upon the secrecy with which the 
details are perfected. It is, therefore, obviously nee- 

38 



essary that the persons immediately entrusted with 
its management shall be invested with full power as 
to details. If the committee authorizes the produc- 
tion of a historical pageant as we have recommended, 
we urge that a sub -committee of five be appointed at 
once to carry out the plans under the direction of the 
Citizens' Bi-centennial Committee. 
Respectfully submitted, • 

Lewis Boss, 
Walter Dickson, 
James H. Manning, 
John L. Van Valkenburgh, 
W. Bayard Van Rensselaer. 



This report was accepted. A sum not to exceed 
$10,000 was appropriated therefor. A committee to 
recommend an appropriate Bi-centennial flag, con- 
sisting of Franklin M. Danaher, Wm. M. Whitney, 
Walter Dickson and Archibald McClure, was ap- 
pointed. 

April 22, 1886. The Chairman moved that an 
invitation be extended to the Governor, Lieutenant- 
Governor and Members of the Senate and Assembly, 
and also State officers, to participate in the com- 
ing Bi-centennial celebration. It was carried. From 
the joint committees, the executive and finance, re- 
port was made that the total expenses of the cele- 
bration would be between $35,000 and $40,000, the 
Finance Committee adding that they feel assured 
that that amount can be raised. The Chairman 
presented the following communication : 

39 



Antwerpen, Den., April 3, 1886. 
To THE Honorable A. Bleecker Banks, Mayor of 
THE City of Albany, New York, United States 
of North America : 

Sir — We received quite well your letter of the 25th Feb- 
ruary past, by which you and the Honorable Common 
Council of your city are so kind to us, as well as the inhabi- 
tants of our town, to participate in the festivities which will 
be held in the city of Albany in order to celebrate, on the 
2 2d July next, the two hundredth anniversary of the charter 
of your city. 

This invitation makes us so much the more pleasure, as it 
comes from a people who remembers on the other side of 
the Atlantic and for a solemn occasion its origin. The old 
Netherlands are pleased and happy to learn their American 
sons did not forget their brothers who remained at home. 

We have given knowledge of your kind missive to the 
Common Council and the inhabitants of this city, and we 
are much obliged to you. If any are intending to travel 
to your country, we shall find much pleasure to let you 
know it. 

We remain, dear sir, faithfully yours. 

For the Burgomaster, 
By Ordinance, The Aldermen, 

X lie ocCrCt3-ryy ^ ^ ^ ^^ Jt 



April 29, 1886. The following designations were 
reported : Orator, Governor David B. Hill ; Poet, 
William H. McElroy ; and also that the gentlemen 
named had signified their acceptance. 

The sum of $3,000 was appropriated to cover the 
disbursements of the Committee on Music ; the sum 
of $900 for the Bi-centennial flag. 

May 6, 1886. Mr. Rosendale presented the fol- 
lowintj communication : 



40 



Albany, N. Y., May 6, 1886. 
To THE Citizens' Bi-Centennial Committee : 

Since your last meeting my term of office, as Mayor, has 
expired, and my successor, Hon. John Boyd Thacher, has 
quahfied and is now in the discharge of his duties. 

The character of your committee is such that you repre- 
sent, not only the citizens, but the municipality itself, and, 
as upon the Mayor will necessarily devolve many of the 
chief duties connected with the celebration, it seems appro- 
priate he should be at the head of the Citizens' Bi-centen- 
nial Committee. 

I, therefore, hereby tender my resignation as Chairman 
of your committee. 

I have every confidence that under the chairmanship of 
Mayor Thacher the work will be successfully conducted. 

I beg to express my acknowledgments for the considera- 
tion extended to me by you, individually and collectively, 
and confidently expect that the enthusiasm, earnestness and 
zeal which has characterized your labors will be continued 
and crowned with complete success. 

With very great respect, I remain, 

A. Bleecker Banks. 



Resignation was accepted. 

Mr. Quinby offered the following: That this com- 
mittee extends its heartfelt thanks to ex-Mayor A. 
Bleecker Banks for the kindly and active interest he 
has taken in the proposed celebration of the Bi-cen- 
tennial of the city of Albany and for the labors done 
with and in behalf of this committee, and trusts that 
it will continue to have the benefit of his counsel and 
active co-operation. Adopted. 

Mr. Wemple offered the following : That Hon. 
John Boyd Thacher, Mayor, be and is hereby elected 
Chairman and Hon. A. Bleecker Banks be elected 
Vice-Chairman of the Citizens' Bi-centennial Com- 
mittee. Adopted. 

41 



Mr. Hitt moved that A. Bleecker Banks continue 
as Chairman and member of all sub-committees of 
which he is now Chairman and member, and that 
Mayor John Boyd Thacher be made member of such 
committees ex-officio. Carried. 

The Secretary presented and read the following 
communication : 

The Mansion House, ) 
London, Eng., April 21, 1886. ) 

My Dear Sir — I am in receipt of your worship's very 
kind letter of February 25th, in which you are good enough 
to invite me to participate in the festivities of July next in 
celebrating the Bi-centennial of the charter of the city of 
Albany. 

It would have given me very great pleasure to have 
joined you in this auspicious commemoration, but I regret 
exceedingly that my official engagements in London at that 
time forbid the hope that I could undertake so long a jour- 
ney. If I learn that any members of the corporation of 
London are likely to be in America in July, I will not fail 
to commend them to the courtesy of yourself and your 
fellow-citizens. 

Permit me again to thank you for your flattering and 
obliging invitation, and to express, in advance, my sincere 
congratulations to the citizens of Albany of the celebration 
of so interesting an event in the annals of their municipality, 
and on the prosperous and flourishing condition in which 
your city happily finds itself after so prolonged and useful 
an existence as a chartered community. 

Believe me, my dear sir, your worship's very faithful ser- 
vant and colleague, 

John Staples, 

Lord Mayor of London. 

The Worshipful A. Bleecker Banks, 

Mayor of the city of Albany, United States. 

Also the following : 

42 




NOTMAN PHOTO. CO., BOST 



Albany, N. Y., April, 28, 1886. 
To THE Hon. A. Bleecker Banks, 

Mayor and Chairman of the Citizens' Bi-centennial 
Committee. 

The Lieutenant-Governor accepts with pleasure the invi- 
tation to participate in the celebration of the two hundredth 
anniversary of the granting of the charter to the city of 
Albany by Governor Thomas Dungan. 

Received and ordered entered in full on the min- 
utes. 

It was resolved that the thanks of the committee 
be and they are hereby tendered to the Members of 
the Legislature and others who participated at the 
base ball game to-day, at West Troy, for the benefit 
of the Bi-centennial fund. Mr. A. Bleecker Banks, 
Mr. McElroy and Mr. Williams were appointed to 
examine and audit all accounts on behalf of the com- 
mittee. 

May 13, 1886. Acknowledgments of invitations 
to attend the Bi-centennial celebration were received 
from the Hon. Dennis O'Brien, Attorney-General of 
the State of New York ; Hon. Lawrence J. Fitz- 
gerald, State Treasurer; Hon. Thomas E. Benedict, 
Deputy Comptroller. The sum of $1,900 was ap- 
propriated for engraving and printing. Mr. Dick- 
son, in behalf of the Committee on Decorations and 
Monumenting presented a detailed report, which pro- 
vided for four evergreen arches ; nineteen granite 
slabs with bronze tablets ; five bronze tablets in 
buildings ; five bronze tablets, old street names ; dec- 
orations for the City Hall, City building, Schuyler 
corner, Pemberton corner, Schuyler mansion. Manor 

43 



house, Albany; Manor house, Greenbush, and other 
ancient houses. The report concluded as follows : 

" Your committee, aware of the grave responsi- 
bility to them entrusted, of monumenting the site of 
old land marks and cherished spots which are in- 
tended to add to the attractiveness of the city of 
Albany, and which will, doubtless, arouse in the 
hearts of unborn generations a stronger love of birth- 
place and home, and a more deeply impressed famil- 
iarity with its early history and its prominence in 
securing the liberties he, as a native, now enjoys, in 
order that we shall not omit anything important to 
this object or make errors in our work, in all candor, 
solicit additional information, suggestions and cor- 
rections which can or may be offered to us, the same 
to be duly considered and, if approved, carried out 
to the best of our ability." It was also suggested 
that an arch of evergreens be placed at each place 
designated as the city gates of 1695. It was also 
resolved that the Chairman of this committee be 
authorized to establish a general head-quarters for 
this committee, where all business, pertaining to the 
forthcoming celebration, can be transacted, and to 
organize and conduct a Bureau of Information and 
Accommodations. A committee of five was desig- 
nated to meet with the Committee on Public Cele- 
brations at the Common Council chamber, for the 
purpose of appropriating and dividing the $10,000 
provided in the annual tax budget of the city for 
1886, for Bi-centennial purposes. 

May 20, 1886. Acknowledgments and accept- 
ances of the committee's invitation to participate 

44 



were received from the Hon. Frederick Cook, Secre- 
tary of State ; the Hon. Wm. B. Ruggles, Deputy 
Superintendent of Insurance, and Hon. Alfred C. 
Chapin, Comptroller. 

Mr. Henry Martin, John M. Walsh, John D. Reilly, 
Thos. S. O'Brien, Michael D. Slattery, David Healey 
and Thos. H. Hankin were added to the All Nations' 
Day Committee. The Aldermen of the city were 
appointed an Auxiliary Committee with the Finance 
Committee to collect and receive subscriptions for the 
Bi-centennial. Messrs. W. B. Mellius and George R. 
Howell were added to the Committee on Decoration 
and Monumenting. An editorial representative, from 
each of the city daily papers, was added to the Finance 
Committee, and the sum of $3,000 was appropriated 
for fire-works. The sum of $2,500 was appropriated 
for monumenting and decorating. The sum of $1,900 
was appropriated to defray the expenses of the Recep- 
tion Committee. The sum of $500 was advanced 
for preliminary expenses of the Loan Exhibition. 

May 27, 1886. Acknowledgments and accept- 
ances of the invitations of the committee were re- 
ceived from the Hon. Elnathan Sweet, State Engi- 
neer and Surveyor, and Hon. John Bogart, Deputy. 
Notice was given that head-quarters for the Com- 
mittee on General Information had been opened at 
No. 480 Broadway. The following assignments of 
members of the Board of Aldermen to sub-commit- 
tees were announced: Finance, David J. Norton; 
Reception, James O. Woodward ; Regatta, George 
L. Thomas ; All Nations' Day, John J. Greagan. 

45 



June 3, 1886. The Chairman presented the fol- 
lowing communication : 



To THE Right Honorable A. Bleecker Banks, Mayor 

OF Albany : 

With many thanks for your kind and honoring invitation 
in regard to the festivities on the occasion of the two hun- 
dredth anniversary of Albany as a chartered city, we try to 
express our great regret that no official representation of the 
city of Amsterdam will be possible. 

Yours respectfully, 

The Burgomaster and Aldermen of Amsterdam. 



An invitation to be sent to the heads of all schools 
in the city was adopted as follows : 

Albany, N. Y., A\m\ 20, 1886. 
Principal of 

Dear Sir — Your school is cordially invited to join with 
the other schools of the city in celebrating the two hun- 
dredth anniversary of Albany's civic birth in the jubilee 
exercises of Monday, July 19. Should you accept this 
invitation, you will greatly oblige us by communicating that 
fact to Robert D. Williams, Secretary, 488 Broadway, on 
or before May ist, since the details of the programme must 
be arranged at an early date. 

Respectfully, 

A. Bleecker Banks, Chairman. 



June 10, 1886. Messrs. R. S. Oliver, George H. 
Thacher, Jr., and W. W. Gibson were added as 
advisory members. Mr. Dickson, in behalf of the 
Committee on Monumenting and Decorations, pre- 
sented the following report relative to bronze tablets, 
as follows : 

46 



Tablet No. i — Fort Orange. 

Located fifty feet east of the bend in Broadway, at 
Steamboat square, will be placed a granite block 3x4 feet 
square and sixteen inches high, with a slanting top to shed 
water and surrounded by an iron railing for protection. On 
the top of this granite will be placed a bronze tablet 20x32 
inches, with raised letters on stippled ground-work fastened 
with flush bolts. On it will be inscribed : " Upon this 
Spot, Washed by the Tide, Stood the north-east Bastion of 
Fort Orange, Erected about 1623. Here the Powerful 
Iroquois met the Deputies of this and Other Colonies in 
Conference, to Establish Treaties. Here the first Courts 
were Held. Here, in 1643, under the Direction of Dom- 
inie Johannes Megapolensis, a Teamed and Estimable Min- 
ister, the Earliest Church was Erected north-west of the 
Fort, and to the South of it Stood the Dominie's House." 

Tablet No. 2 — Municipal. 

A bronze tablet, 32x40 inches, inserted in the exterior 
surface of the Eagle street wall of the City Hall. It is thus 
inscribed : 

[Correct Coat of Arms of the City.] " Tablet commem- 
orating the 200th anniversary of Albany as a Chartered 
City. Charter granted by Gov. Dongan, July 22, 1686. 
Settled about 1624. The time women arrived. Made 
State Capital 1797. Early names of the City: Fort 
Orange, Beverwycke, Wilemstadt. First City Hall build- 
ing erected near Fort Orange about 1686. Second one 
erected north-east corner of Broadway and Hudson Street 
about 1705. Third one erected on this site 1829. Burned 
1 88 1. Fourth, or Present Building, 1883. First Mayor, 
1686, Peter Schuyler; Centennial Mayor, 1786, John Tan- 
sing, Jr.; Bi-Centennial Mayor, 1886, John Boyd Thacher. 
Bi-Centennial Committee." 

Tablet No. 3 — Broadway. 

Located on ground front of Government building, on 
Broadway near corner of State — Bronze tablet 12x30 inches 
inserted in die of the pedestal to the column looking up 
State street, inscribed : " This is Broadway formerly in suc- 
cession Handelaers or Traders, Court and Market street," 

47 



Tablet No. 4 — The " First Patroon." 

A bronze tablet, 16x22 inches placed in the City Hall, 
and thereon inscribed : 

" Killian Van Rensselaer, the Progenitor of the Van 
Rensselaer family in America, was a Merchant of Amster- 
dam, Holland, and the Original Proprietor and first Pa- 
troon of the Manor and Rensselaerwycke ; Patent Granted 
him by the Dutch Gov't in 1629. 

" The following year he bought from the Indians Lands 
lying on both sides of the Hudson River from Baeren 
Island to Cohoes Falls and Established the Settlement." 

Tablet No. 5— The Old Dutch Church. 

Located in the Government building adjoining No. 3, to 
which it corresponds in outline, material and size. The 
inscription reads: 

" Opposite, At the Intersection of these Streets, stood 
the Old Dutch Church. Built 1656. Rebuilt 1715. Re- 
moved 1806. Burial Ground around it." 

Tablet No. 6 — Lutheran Church. 

Inserted on South Pearl street face of the City building. 
Bronze tablet, 16x22, inscribed: 

"Site of the First Lutheran church. Built i66g. Re- 
moved 1816. Burial Ground around it. Between this 
Spot and Beaver Street, flowed Rutten Kill." 

Tablet No. 7 — First English Church. 

Located in the walk, near the curb, north-west corner of 
Chapel and State streets. Bronze tablet, 11x23 inches, set 
in the top of a granite block 21x33 inches square and 16 
inches high above the sidewalk — will have a slanting top to 
shed water. On it will read : 

"Opposite in middle of State street stood the First Eng- 
lish Church Erected A. D. 17 15 — Removed and Rebuilt 
as St. Peter's church 1803 on next corner west. Rebuilt 
1859." 

Tablet No. 8— Old St. Mary's. 

Bronze tablet, 16x22 inches, inserted in wall of present 
edifice of that name on Pine street. Inscription : 

48 



"Site of Old St. Mary's— Built A. D. 1797. The First 
Catholic Parish Church in Albany and second in the State. 
The entrance directly under this Tablet. 

"A Second Building on this Same Spot, Facing on 
Chapel Street, was the Original Cathedral of this Diocese." 

Tablet No. 9 — First Presbyterian Church. 

Bronze tablet, 16x22 inches, inserted in the wall of build- 
ing north-east corner of Grand and Hudson streets. In- 
scribed thereon : 

"Site of the First Presbyterian Church — Built 1763 — 
Removed 1796." 

Tablet No. 10 — Schuyler Mansion. 

Bronze tablet, 16x22 inches, inserted in front of wall 
inclosing grounds on Catherine street. It informs the be- 
holder that there stood : 

" The Schuyler Mansion — Erected by General Brad- 
street, 1762. Washington, Franklin, Gates, De Rocham- 
beau, Lafayette, and most of the great men of that time 
were entertained here. Gen's Burgoyne and Reidesel as 
guests — though Prisoners of War 1777. Alexander Hamil- 
ton and Elizabeth Schuyler Married here in 1780." 

Tablet No. 11 — Fort Frederick. 

Located head of State street, in sidewalk, near the curb 
on lower edge of Capitol Park — Bronze tablet, 11x23 
inches, set in granite block similar to No. 7. Inscription : 

" Facing the River on an Eminence in this Broad street 
opposite St. Peter's Church Stood Fort Frederick. Built 
about 1676 — Removed 1789. Gallows Hill to the South — 
Fort Burial Ground to the North." 



Tablet No. 12 — Philip Livingston. 

Bronze tablet, 16x22 inches, inserted in Tweddle build- 
ing over Sautter's apothecary store. Inscription : 

" Upon this Site Philip Livingston, One of the signers of 
the Declaration of Independence was Born 17 16." 

49 



Tablet No. 13 — Anneke Janse Bogardus. 

Bronze tablet, 16x22 inches, placed on front door pier of 
State Street side Farmers and Mechanics' Bank. Inscrip- 
tion : 

" Upon this Corner stood the House Occupied by, and 
wherein died, Anneke Janse Bogardus, 1663, The Former 
Owner of Trinity Church property. New York." 

Tablet No. 14 — The Old Lansing House. 

Bronze tablet, 11x23, inserted in a granite block, similar 
to No. 7, in walk in front of the present house at Pearl and 
Columbia streets. Inscription : 

" Built 1 7 10 — Known for 68 years as the Pemberton 
Corner — a Trading House outside of the Stockade." 

Tablet No. 15 — Oldest Building in Albany. 

Located in south-east corner of State and North Pearl 
streets — Bronze tablet, 16x22 inches, inserted in Pearl street 
wall of Staats' house. Inscription : 

" The Oldest Building in Albany — Built 1667. Birth- 
place of Gen. Philip Schuyler And Elizabeth Schuyler, wife 
of Alexander Hamilton — Adjoining on the West was the 
Famous ' Lewis Tavern.' South Pearl street was formerly 
Washington Street and was but twelve feet wide, having a 
Gate at this place." 

Tablet No. 16— Old Elm Tree Corner. 

Located on north-west corner of State and North Pearl 
streets — Bronze tablet, 11x23 inches, in a granite block, 
similar to No. 7, placed near curb. Inscription : 

" Old Elm Tree corner — so named from a Tree Planted 
here by Philip Livingston about 1735 — Removed 1877, 
Also the site upon which were Published Webster's famous 
Reading and Spelling Book and Almanac and the first 
Albany Newspaper, The Albany Gazette, 1771." 

Tablet No. 17 — Vanderheyden Palace. 

Bronze tablet, 16x22 inches, inserted in front of wall of 
Perry building. Inscription : 

" Site of Vanderheyden Palace. Erected 1725. De- 
molished to make space for the First Baptist Church, 
1833-" 

50 



Tablet No. i8 — Lydius Corner. 

On north-east corner of State and North Pearl streets — 
Bronze tablet, 16x22 inches, inserted in Pearl street wall. 
Inscription : 

" Upon this Site Stood the First Brick Building said to 
have been Erected in North America. Of Material Im- 
ported from Holland for the Rev. Gideon Schaet's Par- 
sonage." 

Tablet No. 19 — Washington's Visit. 

Bronze tablet, 16x22 inches, inserted in Beaver street 
wall of building north-west corner of Beaver and Green 
streets. Inscription : 

" Site of Hugh Denniston's Tavern. The First Stone 
House in Albany, Where Gen. Washington was Presented 
with the Freedom of the City in 1782 and 1783. It was 
removed During the Year of the First Cholera, 1832." 

Tablet No. 20— First Theatre. 

Bronze tablet, 16x22 inches, placed in the front wall of 
the original building, the present Green Street Theatre. 
Inscription : 

" First Theatre Erected in Albany Upon this Spot, 181 1. 
First Theatrical Representation Given (place not known) 
by British Officers Quartered in Albany, 1760, During the 
French war. The First Professionals Played at the Old 
Hospital, Present Site of Lutheran Church, Corner of Pine 
and Lodge Streets, 1769." 

Tablet No. 21 — First English Schoolmaster. 

Located on the High School building — Bronze tablet, 
16x22 inches, in face of front wall: 

" The Governor's License Granted Unto John Shutte 
for Teaching of the English Tongue at Albany: Whereas, 
The Teaching of the English Tongue is necessary in this 
Government, I have therefore thought fitt to give Lycence 
to John Shutte to be the English Schoolmaster at Albany. 
And upon Condition that the said John Shutte shall not 
demand more Wages from Each Scholar than is custom- 
arily given by the Dutch to their Dutch Schoolmasters. I 

51 



have further granted to the said John Shutte that hee shall 
bee the only English Schoolmaster at Albany. Given 
under my hand at Fort James in New York the 12th day of 
October, 1665. 

RICHARD NICOLLS, Governor." 

Tablet No. 22 — Foxen Kill. 

Bronze tablet, 16x22 inches, in southern wall of building 
north-west corner of Canal and North Pearl streets. In- 
scription : 

" Foxen Kill — Ancient Water Course flowing in Early 
Times to the River — Now Arched Over. This is Canal, 
Formerly Fox Street." 

Tablet No. 23 — Beaver Kill. 

Bronze tablet, 11x23 inches, set in granite block in side- 
walk, near curb, similar to No. 7, corner of South Pearl and 
Arch streets. Inscription : 

*' Beaver Kill — Ancient Water Course flowing to the 
River now Arched Over. Buttermilk Falls in the Ravine 
to the West." 

Tablet No. 24 — City Gate where News of Burning of 
Schenectady was Received. 

Bronze tablet, 24x32 inches, in face of north wall of 
American Express building, at Broadway and Steuben 
streets Inscription : 

" Near this Spot, a litde to the East, Stood the North- 
East Gate of the City — Here it was that Simon Schermer- 
horn, at five o'clock in the Morning, 'die Sabbithi,' Feb- 
ruary 9, 1690 — Himself Shot in the Thigh and His Horse 
wounded — After a Hard Ride in the Intense Cold and 
Deep Snow, By the Way of Niskayuna, Arrived with just 
Enough Strength to Awaken the Guard at the Gate and 
Alarm the People of Albany with the News that Schenec- 
tady was Burning and the Inhabitants Being Murdered — 
Simon's Son, Together with His Three Negroes, was Killed 
on that Fatal Night by the French and Indians. Simon 
went to New York soon after and Died There, 1696. To 
the North was the ' Old Colonie ' and the Road to the 
Canadas — Through this Gate in their Departure for the 

52 



North Passed the Many Detachments of Troops Rendez- 
voused Here at Albany. The Remains of Lord Howe 
were Brought Back this Way and Burgoyne Returned a 
Prisoner." 

Tablet No. 25 — Manor House, Albany, 

Bronze tablet, 11x23 inches, set in granite, same as No. 
7, near the present business office of the Van Rensselaers, 
west side Troy road, or Broadway, at that point. Inscrip- 
tion : 

" Opposite Van Rensselaer Manor House. Erected, 
1765. Residence of the Patroons. This Spot is the Site 
of the First Manor House." 

Tablet No. 26 — Johannes Van Rensselaer. 

In bronze, 7x16 inches, set in the wall of the original 
mansion on the Greenbush banks. Inscription : 

" This Manor House, Built by Johannes Van Rensselaer, 
1642." 

Tablet No. 27 — Joel Munsell. 

Bronze tablet, 16x22 inches, set in old gable building, 
Nos. 58 and 60 State street. Inscription : 

" In gratitude to Joel Munsell, printer, of Albany, who, 
a native of Massachusetts, did more than all other men to 
preserve the Ancient Records of his adopted city. Born 
1808 — Died 1880. This is the spot where he begun his 
earliest work." 

Tablet No. 28— North- West Gate. 

Bronze tablet, 9x13 inches, set in building occupied by 
Johnston & Reilly, North Pearl street. Inscription : 

" Here Stood the Northwest Gate of the city. On this 
Spot De Witt Clinton, the Projector of the Great Erie 
Canal, Died February 11, 1828." 

Tablet No. 29 — The North-East Gate. 

Bronze tablet, 11x23 inches, in a granite block, similar 
to No. 7, in the walk, near the curb, in front of Van Ben- 
thuysen's Printing and Publishing House on Broadway. 
Inscription : 

53 



" On the northeast corner of Broadway, then Court 
street, and Hudson, then Spanish street, stood the Second 
City Hall, Erected 1705, in which the Famous Congress of 
1754 Met and Prepared a Union of the Several Colonies 
for Mutual Defense and Security. The Southeast Gate of 
the City stood in Front, to the south of the City Hall. To 
the north of this Spot a Bridge crossed the Rutten Kill, and 
on this Ground was the house where lived Peter Schuyler, 
the first and for sixteen successive years Mayor of this City." 

Tablet No. 30 — First Methodist Church. 

Bronze tablet, 16x22 inches, placed in wall of building 
south-east corner of North Pearl and Orange streets. In- 
scripdon : 

" On this southeast corner of Orange and North Pearl 
Streets, was Erected the first Methodist Church 1792." 

Tablet No. 31 — Academy Park. 

Bronze tablet, 11x23 inches, inserted in granite block, 
similar to No. 7, placed in Academy Park. Inscription : 

" On this Ground the Constitution of the United States 
was Ratified in 1788. In 1856 the Dedicatory Ceremonies 
of the Dudley Observatory and in 1864 the Great Army 
Relief Bazaar were held Here." 

Tablet No. 32 — Washington Avenue. 

Bronze tablet, 7x16 inches, placed on corner of Capitol 
building. Inscription : 

" Washington Avenue, formerly King, then Lion Street." 

Tablet No. 33 — Hamilton Street. 

Bronze tablet, 7x16 inches, corner building at Hamil- 
ton and Pearl streets. Inscripdon : 

" Hamilton Street formerly Kilbey Lane." 

Tablet No. 34 — Dean Street. 

Bronze tablet, 7x15 inches, in Government building cor- 
ner State and Dean streets. Inscription : 
" Dean Street, formerly Dock Street." 

54 



Tablet No. 35— State Street. 

Bronze tablet, 7x16 inches, on old Museum corner. In- 
scription : 

" State Street, formerly Yonkers, or Gentlemen's Street." 

Tablet No. 36 — James Street. 

Bronze tablet, 7x16 inches, on Mechanics and Farmers* 
Bank. Inscription : 

" James Street, formerly Middle Lane." 

Tablet No. 37 — Eagle Street. 

Bronze tablet, 7x16 inches, on corner building State and 
Eagle streets. Inscription : 

" Eagle Street, formerly Duke Street." 

Tablet No. 38 — Exchange Street. 

Bronze tablet, 7x16 inches, north side of Government 
building. Inscription : 

" Exchange Street, formerly Mark Lane." 

Tablet No. 39 — Norton Street. 

Bronze tablet, 7x16 inches, north side of Beaver block. 
Inscription : 

" Norton Street, formerly Store Lane." 

Tablet No. 40 — Frankhn Street. 

Bronze tablet, 7x16 inches, corner Franklin and Madi- 
son avenue. Inscription : 

" Franklin Street, formerly Frelinghuysen Street." 

Tablet No. 41 — Clinton Avenue. 

Bronze tablet, 7x16 inches, corner North Pearl street. 
Inscription : 

" Clinton Avenue, formerly Patroon Street — North of 
this Street was the ' Old Colonic.' " 

Tablet No. 42 — Monroe Street. 

Bronze tablet, 7x16 inches, south side of Dutch Re- 
formed Church. Inscription : 

" Monroe Street, formerly Van Schaick Street." 

55 



Mr. McClure, from the Special Committee on Re- 
ligious Services, offered the following propositions, 
which were adopted : 

" First. That in each church in the city on Sun- 
day, July 1 8, there be made acknowledgements of 
God's mercy in the past, of our imperfections and 
sins, and prayers for future blessings. 

" Second. That each denomination arrange for 
such Union Memorial service of that denomination 
and at such time as it deems best. 

" Third. That the Mayor and Common Council 
be invited to these Union Memorial services." It 
was the opinion of the meeting that the Mayor and 
Common Council might, in addition to the Union 
Memorial service of each denomination, semi-offici- 
ally designate St. Mary's or the Cathedral in the 
morning, the First Reformed in the afternoon and 
St. Peters in the evening, as the churches where the 
municipality would be officially represented at the 
services. 

Friday, July 23, 1886, was eliminated from the 
programme, and the Trades' Parade was transferred 
to Monday, the 19th of July. 

June 17, 1886. The Chairman announced receipt 
of the following letter of acknowledgment : 

The Hague, Holland, May 21, 1886. 
Honorable A. Bleecker Banks, Mayor: 

Dear Sir — With many thanksgivings for the invitation 
to participate in the festivities, which the city of Albany 
intends to celebrate for the occasion of its two hundredth 
anniversary, we are obliged to express you our regret of 
being prevented to assist at the festival on the 2 2d July 
next. Nevertheless, it may be permitted to us, to congrat- 

56 



ulate you heartily in the name of the Common Council and 
the mhal)itants of The Hague, with the happy occurrence, 
and to speak out the wishes for your continually flourishing 
city and its magistrates. 

The Burgomaster. 

The appointment of and acceptance, by the Rio-ht 
Rev. William Croswell Doane, Bishop of Albany, as 
Chaplain of Bi-centennial Day, was reported and 
accepted. 

June 24, 1886. The Committee on Bi-centennial 
Flag presented a copy of the design together with 
the following explanatory report: 

Float it on the Outer Walls. 

Accurate description and cut of the Bi-centennial 

flag: 

A heraldic representation of the political and dy- 
nastic history of Albany for two hundred and seventy- 
nine years. 

The Bi-centennial flag represents, heraldically, in 
combination, the political and dynastic history of 
Albany for two hundred and seventy-nine years. 

There are six flags shown. The first is the na- 
tional ensign of the United Provinces of the Nether- 
lands as the same was adopted in 1582, at the sug- 
gestion of William, the first prince of Nassau. It 
consisted of orange, white and blue, arranged in 
three equal horizontal stripes. 

Henry Hudson was an English mariner in the ser- 
vice of the Dutch East India Company, and floated 
its flag when, in 1609, he visited the site now known 
as Albany. It was the flag of the Netherlands, with 

57 



the letters A. O. C. in the centre of the white stripe, 
the letters standing for the words "Algeemene Oost 
Indies Compagnie," " The General East India Com- 
pany ;" and that, presumably, was Albany's flag until 
1622, when the government of the colony fell into 
the hands of the " Gooctroyeerde West Indies Com- 
pagnie," "The Privileged West India Company," 
whose flag was the national ensign, with the letters 
G. W. C. in a monogram on the white stripe in the 
place and stead of the letters A. O. C. 

After the death of William (1650), a red stripe 
was substituted for the orange stripe in the national 
colors of the Netherlands. So in the Bi-centennial 
standard the two flags of yellow, white, and red, 
white and blue represent the period of the Dutch 
supremacy, 1 609-1 664. 

As all the flags that have waived over Albany 
could not have been practically shown in combina- 
tion, it was thought advisable to give the preference 
to the national ensigns. So the flags of the Nether- 
lands, proper, was used, and not those of the Dutch 
India companies. 

The Patroons had a flag, but no research or in- 
quiry among the Van Rensselaers of to-day could 
give its details. 

The white flag in the first quarter is the municipal 
flag, a white field with the coat of arms of the city 
emblazoned. The arms were copied from the earli- 
est known drawing, one made on a city map, bearing 
date 1790, by Simeon De Witt, a brave revolution- 
ary officer of Washington's staff", and were evidently 
adopted some time between 1785 and 1790. 

58 



The flag in the second quarter is the British jack, 
as it then appeared, and represents the period of the 
Enghsh ascendency from 1664 to 1776. 

It is commonly called the Union Jack, from James 
I (Jacques). The national ensign of England was 
the banner of St. George, a red cross on a white 
field, and that of Scotland was the banner of St. 
Andrew, a silver St. Andrew's cross in a blue field. 
On the union of the two crowns, James I issued a 
proclamation that "all subjects of this isle and the 
kingdom of Great Britain should bear in the main 
top the red cross, commonly called St. George's 
cross, and the white cross, commonly called St. An- 
drew's cross, joined together according to the forms 
made by our own heralds." 

The banner of St. Patrick, a soltaire gules on a 
field argent, was not added until after the union in 
1 80 1. The third quarter contains the jack of the 
colonial flag, known as the flag of New England in 
America. 

It is the red cross of St. George, with a globe, 
showing a piece cut out, representing a new hemi- 
sphere discovered. The flag was blue. The colonial 
flag was adopted some time subsequent to 1688, 
when James II, formerly the Duke of York, annexed 
to the government of the New England colonies, the 
Provinces of New York and East and West New Jer- 
sey, with the territories thereto belonging, when all 
for a time were known as New England in America. 
This flag is sometimes represented with a pine tree 
in the place of the globe. 

The fourth quarter proper, in order of time and in 

59 



heraldry, is the jack of the Stars and Stripes, a white 
star for each State, in a blue field, representing a new 
constellation found. 

Thus, we have in Albany's Bi-centennial standard 
of 1886, the flags of the Dutch Netherlands binding 
together the city, the British, colonial and union 
periods. 

All the flags are not represented. There were 
others of special design used by the colony for lim- 
ited periods, rare, curious and interesting, but not 
properly within the scope and design of the Bi- 
centennial standard. It was neither practicable nor 
within the funds of the committee to add special and 
local colors of no political significance, and thus only 
the national flags were used. 

The flags are printed on a very fine quality of 
cambric, in fast colors. 

The staff is hickory, with a carved spear-head on 
the end. 

It was not deemed practicable to print them on silk. 
The silk manufacturers would not bother with it, and, 
as a matter of fact, it was extremely difficult to get 
them printed on anything. The expense of a silk 
flag was entirely beyond the finances of the com- 
mittee, and, when completed, they would not be of 
much service for outside decoration, for the wind 
would tear a silk flag, the sun would make it fade, 
and the rain would cause the colors to run. 

The committee has wisely determined to place 
these flags within the reach of all. It has placed the 
nominal figure of two dollars each on them, so that 
no person could consider himself too poor to add 

60 



his mite to the funds now being raised by the Citi- 
zens' Committee to defray the expenses of the com- 
ing celebrations. 

The citizen that floats on his outer walls the ban- 
ner of the Bi-centennial will bear witness to the world 
that he is public spirited, liberal, full of love for his 
native town, and a contributor in money to the suc- 
cess of the celebration of the two hundredth anni- 
versary of the granting of the charter to the city of 
Albany. 

Resolutions were adopted requesting the Schuy- 
ler family to loan to the Bi-centennial Commission 
the original portrait in oil of Peter Schuyler, the first 
Mayor of the city of Albany ; and for the pur- 
chase of two gold medals, to be presented, one to 
the orator and one to the poet of the Bi-centennial 
exercises. 

The following communication was read : 

The Hague, Holland, June 15, 1886. 
Hon. a. Bleecker Banks, Mayor : 

Sir — It is with much pleasure that we beg to inform you 
by these presents that Dr. T. Bloom Coster, M. D., one of 
the most distinguished citizens and physicians of our town, 
intends to pay a visit to Albany, at the jubilee of that city 
on the 2 2d of July next. Having requested him to be the 
interpreter of the sincere wishes the Hague and her Magis- 
trate entertain for the prosperity and welfare of your flour- 
ishing and thriving city, we have the honor of introducing 
Dr. Bloom Coster to you in that quality, and recommend 
him to your kind reception. 

We are, sir, your most sincere servants. 

The Burgomaster. 

The Town Clerk. 

Also acknowledgment and acceptance of the com- 
61 



mittee's invitation of the Hon. Robert A. Maxwell, 
State Superintendent of Insurance. 

State of New York Insurance Department, » 
Albany, N. Y., June 24, 1886. ) 
Hon. A. Bleecker Banks, 

Ex-Mayor and Chairman of the Citizens' Bi-centen- 
nial Committee : 
Dear Sir — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt 
of your kind invitation to participate with the Governor, 
Lieutenant-Governor and State officers in the celebration, 
on the 2 2d of July next, of the two hundredth anniversary 
of the granting of the charter of the city of Albany by 
Governor Thomas Dongan, and take great pleasure in 
accepting the same. 

Very respectfully yours, 

R. A. Maxwell. 

Also from L. W. Winchester, Colonel of the 
Veteran Corps of the Seventh Regiment, National 
Guards, S. N. Y., New York city, acknowledging 
the receipt of the invitation to participate in the 
celebration. Also the following: 

The Holland Society of New York, \^ 
New York, June 22, 1886. j 
Mr. James H. Manning, 

Cor. Secy. Albany Bi-centennial Committee : 
My Dear Sir — At a meeting of the Holland Society of 
New York, held June 15, 1886, it was resolved that this 
society will accept the invitation so cordially extended to 
us in your favor of June 14. Judge Hooper C. Van Vorst, 
address, County Court House, New York, and Abraham 
Van Santvoord, 55 Broadway, New York, were appointed 
a special committee to represent us, with as many of the 
members as may be able to attend your celebration. 
Yours cordially, 

George W. Van Siclen, 

Secretary. 

62 



The Committee on Medals presented the design 
that had been adopted. The scene represents Gov- 
ernor Dongan seated at his desk with Livingston at 
his right and Schuyler at his left, and is founded on 
the statement of the initial pages of our city records 
that Livingston and Schuyler went to New York for 
the city charter. Livingston was the son of a Scotch 
minister and was then about thirty years of age. He 
is represented in Puritanical dress. Schuyler is at- 
tired in military costume. Dongan's hat and sword 
hang on the wall near the old-fashioned clock. The 
seal of the city and the inscription " In memory 
of the two hundredth anniversary of the city of 
Albany, N. Y., 1886," are represented on the other 
side. They recommended that the medals be put 
on sale, the white metal for twenty-five cents and the 
bronze for one dollar each. 

July I, 1886. The following order of exercises 
was adopted for opening the celebration : 

Order of Exercises. 

In ye matter of ye solemn Proclamation, ye free- 
dom of ye citty to ye Inhabitants of divers parts 
who shall or may assemble at ye Ancient gates of ye 
citty of Albany, on Monday, ye nineteenth day of 
July, 1886, to make rejoicing with ye Inhabitants of 
ye sd citty for ye celebration of ye 200th anniversary 
of ye Charter, it hath been determined : 

First. That ye sd publication be done at nine 
o'clock of ye morning on ye said nineteenth day of 
July, with all due ceremonial by ye Mayor, Alder- 
men and Commonalty of ye citty of Albany. 

63 



Second. Yt ye sd Ceremonial shall be conducted 
according to ye established usage of this Antient 
citty as doth appear in ye official Records of ye same. 

Third. Search being mayde in ye minutes of ye 
Affayres of ye sd Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty 
of ye citty of Albany showeth, yt on ye 13th day 
of January, 1689 (O. S.), proclamation was made 
against divers seditious persons claiming authority 
fromm one Captain Jacob Leisler, of N. York, (un- 
lawfully usurping ye govt, of their Ma'ties William 
and Mary) in the which proceeding it doth appear in 
ye said minutes, as follows : 

The Mayor with ye Recorder and Aldermen, and ye 
Justices, and ye Common Council, marched from their 
Majesties Fort (The Marshall going before with a White 
Rod) accompanied with diverse of ye Ancient Citizens 
with a guarde of Fifty Inhabitants in amis. The Mayor 
as ye king's Leift, together with ye Recorder, Alderman 
Shaik and Captain Marte Gerritse, Justice of ye Peace, as 
soon as they came within ye Citty Gates, went with their 
Swords Pointed : Then followed ye other Aldermen, and 
Justices and Common Council, and Sundry Citizens, and 
then the Guards, and in this posture with Drumms Beateing, 
came to ye plain before ye Church, where the Bell Rung 
thrice. Then ye Mayor made a speech to ye Citizens, 
which flokd together, showing the Reasons why he came 
there in such manner. Then ye Protest was read there in 
English and Dutch. This being done they all went in ye 
same Posture through ye Principle Streets of ye Citty, and 
So up to ye Fort, where ye Guards were dismissed and 
thanked by ye Mayor, ye Present Commander of ye Fort 
for ye Service they had done their Majesties King William 
and Queen Mary that day, and ye Protest sent by ye Mar- 
shall to be affixed at ye Porch ye Church. 

Fourth. Wherefore, in obedience to ye Ancient and 
honorable custom, as set down in ye Book of Minutes 

64 



aforesaid, it is ordered yt ye Manner and Posture of 
ye Procession be as follows : 

ORDER OF YE COMPANYE. 

1. Ye Constables of ye Citty. 

2. Ye Crier. 

3. Ye Marshall. 

4. Ye Musicians with ye Drumms Beating. 

5. Ye Mayor (with Sword.) 

6. Ye Recorder and ye Justices. 

7. Ye Aldermen and Common Council, 

8. Ye Citizens' Bi-centennial Committee, and so 
many of ye Commonalty and Ancient Citizens as 
shall desyre. 

9. Guard of Inhabitants in Arms. 

Fifth. Ye sd persons shall assemble at ye Citty 
Hall at half past eight of ye Cloke on ye Morning of 
ye sd Monday, ye nineteenth day of July, and when 
all shall have been duly arranged ye Companye shall 
proceed to ye North-East gate of ye Citty, where- 
upon ye Fyre Bells shall strike three times after 
which all ye Bells of ye Citty shall be rung for ye 
space of two minutes, and after, ye Mayor in behalf 
of ye Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the Citty 
of Albany shall proclaim ye festival of ye 200th an- 
niversary of ye Charter begun, and shall express ye 
Satisfaction and Joy of ye Inhabitants for ye same, 
and in their name shall offer welcome to ye strangers 
both within and without ye sd gate, and in like man- 
ner proceeding, ye Companye shall next Goe to ye 
South-East gate, and after to ye West gate and so 
back to ye place of beginning. 

65 



The sum of $2,000 was appropriated to cover the 
expenses of the Military Committee. It was also 
resolved that all persons subscribing the sum of one 
dollar or upwards to the All Nations' Day Fund be 
entitled to a Bi-centennial flag; subscribers to the 
amount of $20, two flags ; subscribers to the amount 
of $50, three flags ; subscribers to the amount of 
$100 and over, four flags. The reporters of the 
various city papers who attended the meetings of the 
Citizens' Committee were each voted a flag, medal 
and memorial card. 

The following communication inclosing a subscrip- 
tion was received : 

BoRELL Building, 1 

115 Broadway, New York. ) 
Hon. John Boyd Thacher : 

Inclosed I send you my check for $500, to be expended 
in your discretion upon the occasion of the celebration of 
the Bi-centennial of Albany. 

Very respectfully yours, 

Edward Van Ness. 

July 10, 1886. The following communication was 
received : 

Executive Mansion, ) 

Washington, D. C, July 9, 1886. i 
To the Editors of Albany : 

I wish I could claim a greater interest in the Bi-centennial 
of the charter of the city of Albany. I mean the interest 
which springs from long residence and intimate association. 
Confessing that I cannot lay claim to either of these inci- 
dents, which produce a kind of proprietary interest in a 
locality, and modestly, though reluctantly, taking my place 
among those whose relations with your grand old town are 
limited to a short period, I insist that no man of my class 
has or ought to have more pleasant and grateful recollec- 
tions than I of the city of Albany and its people. I entered 
the city a stranger, oppressed with the fear and trepidations 

66 



incident to the assumption of new and grave official responsi- 
bilities. I found strong, staunch friends ready to counsel and 
assist in my performance of public duty, and kind friends 
anxious by their considerate courtesy to temper and relieve 
the exactions of perplexing labor. Under such circum- 
stances, a short residence gave rise to an attachment which 
one can only feel for a hospitable home. Two years suf- 
ficed to cause me to leave the city with sincere regret ; and 
in present surroundings, and in all that the future may have 
in store, I must revert to the time I lived in Albany as the 
happiest period in my life. Others will speak of its history, 
but I can only speak of my pleasant association with its 
present, and express the hope that in every centennial time 
of its existence there may be found many whose tribute to 
what it is may be as sincere as mine. 

Yours, very truly, 

Grover Cleveland. 

July 13, 1886. Mr. Parker, from the Legislative 
Committee, reported and presented the following 
address : 

Capitol, Albany, N. Y., July 13, 1886. 

At a joint meeting of the Senate and Assembly Com- 
mittees, appointed by the Legislature to make provisions 
for the suitable representation of the present and ex-Mem- 
bers of the Legislature at the Bi-centennial exercises to 
take place in the city of Albany, July 22, 1886, it was 
unanimously 

Resolved, That the Senators and Members of the present 
Legislature and all previous Legislatures are hereby cordially 
invited to meet the committees above-named, at the Dela- 
van House, Albany, Thursday, July 2 2d, at 9 a.m. of that 
day. The committee's head-quarters will be open at the 
same place on the previous day. 

Senate Committee. 
Amasa J. Parker, Jr., John Raines, 

J. Sloat Fassett, James F. Pierce, 

Edmund L. Pitts. 
Assembly Committee. 
James W. Huested, George L. Erwin, 

George S. Batcheller, Henry D. Hotchkiss, 

67 



George W. Lyon, Thomas McCarthy, 

WilUam F. Sheehan, George W. Green, 

Michael F. ColUns, Edward D. Cuder. 

July 15, 1886. A sub-committee reported arrange- 
ments had been effected for the erection of a grand 
stand on the Capitol grounds opposite the City Hall, 
capable of seating twenty-five hundred persons. 

Mr. Towner offered the following which was unani- 
mously adopted by a rising vote : 

The Committee on Monumenting and Decorating desire 
to testify, hereby, to the efficient services of their Chairman, 
Mr. Walter Dickson. To his painstaking archaeological 
researches, industry and skill in design, the city is indebted 
for the accurate location and architectural beauty of the 
memorial tablets which well serve to recall the Bi-centen- 
nial celebration long after the festivities of the week have 
been forgotten and those who have participated in them 
have passed away. 

Resolved, That the thanks of the Citizens' Bi-centen- 
nial Committee are hereby tendered to Mr. Walter Dick- 
son as Chairman of the Committee on Monumenting and 
Decorating. 

July 20, 1886. A communication was received, as 
follows : 

Greystone, Yonkers, N. Y., July 19, 1886. 

Gentlemen — I have to thank you for your invitation to 
assist in commemorating the two hundredth anniversary of 
the granting of a charter to the city of Albany, I regret that 
I cannot be personally present at ceremonies so worthy of 
your ancient and renowned municipality. Albany is a his- 
toric city, and has long occupied a prominent place in the 
annals of the State and nation. It was the scene of the 
early struggles which determined whether the colonization 
of the vast country tributary to it should be of a Dutch or 
English type. Albany formed a centre of the great natural 
highways, connecting on the south by the majestic and 
placid Hudson with the Atlantic ocean ; on the north by 
Lake Champlain with the waters of the St. Lawrence, and 

68 



on the west by the great plateau that stretches to Lake 
Erie. It thus becomes the objective point in miUtary oper- 
ations during the protracted contests for supremacy upon 
this continent between England and France, and afterward 
between England and the rising Republic of the United 
States. The same geographical configuration which caused 
it to be a strategical point of such importance made it after- 
ward the gateway of a continental commerce. It was Al- 
bany which, twenty years before the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, was the seat of the first conference looking to 
the formation of a union- between what afterward became 
the Independent States of America. It is eminently fit that 
by such a celebration as you propose, the momentous events 
with which Albany has been associated should be kept in 
the memory of the present generation and of posterity. 

S. J. TiLDEN. 

THE OPENING OF THE BI-CENTENNIAL 
LOAN EXHIBITION.— July 5, 1886. 

The day itself was all that could be desired, and a 
clear sky and an occasional breeze served to recon- 
cile all as far as possible to perfect July temperature. 

Shortly before nine o'clock, the regular and official 
celebration of the day was initiated by the Jackson 
Corps, which left the armory on Beaver street and 
proceeded to the armory of the Burgesses Corps, on 
Broadway. The Jackson Corps was under the com- 
mand of Major Macfarlane, and numbered forty-three 
muskets, six staff officers and four officers of the line, 
a total of fifty-three. The Burgesses Corps, com- 
manded by Major Van Zandt, presented a rank of 
forty-six muskets, nine staff and three officers of the 
line, in all fifty-eight. The two companies presented 
a fine appearance as they proceeded up Broadway 
to Livingston avenue, to Ten Broeck street, to Clin- 
ton avenue, to Pearl street, to State street, to the City 

69 



Hall. Here, the customary Fourth of July exercises 
took place. 

At their conclusion, the concourse moved to the 
Academy Park where the Bi-centennial Loan Exhi- 
tion was to be opened. First came the Albany City 
band, then the Jackson Corps escorting the Loan 
Commission, Mr. J. Howard King, Chairman ; J. 
Townsend Lansing, John J. Van Valkenburgh, Douw 
H. Fonda, Charles Tracey, Professor Boss, Samuel B. 
Towner, Henry J. Ten Eyck, W. O. Stillman, James 
T. Gardiner, Geo. D. Miller, VV. W. Crannell, Craig 
McClure, Captain Henry Cushman and others. 

Then came Boring's band in front of the Burgesses 
Corps, which acted as escort to the Mayor and Com- 
mon Council. There were in this party. Mayor 
Thacher, accompanied by President Patrick McCann, 
Aldermen Hitt, Greagan, Fleming, Norton, Klaar and 
others, preceded by City Marshal Thos. H. Craven. 

The column was formed on Eagle street, right 
resting on State street, and the following was the line 
of march : Eagle to State, to Swan, to Washington 
avenue, to Boys' Academy. 

The opening exercises of the Bi-centennial Loan 
Exhibition were held in a tent, which had been 
erected in the rear of the academy. Seated on the 
stage, waiting for the procession to arrive, were Mrs. 
Erastus Corning, Jr., Mrs. Marcus T. Hun, Mrs. Gen. 
Farnsworth, Mrs. V. P. Douw, Mrs. Dr. Bartlett, 
Mrs. John Boyd Thacher, Mrs. Philip Ten Eyck, 
Mrs. Jacob H. Ten Eyck, Mrs. James P. Boyd. 

About twelve o'clock, the mayoralty party and the 
Loan Commission arrived at the tent and took places 



70 



on the stage, and soon after the exercises opened to 
an audience that tested the capacity of the enclosure. 
When composure reigned, General King, Chairman 
of the Loan Exhibition, stepped forward and said : 

The exercises will now commence with a Bi-centennial 
march, specially composed for this occasion by Mr. Frank 
E. Greene, and rendered by the Philharmonic Society, a 
recently-organized amateur association, of which we are all 
justly proud, and whose contribution to enhance the pleas- 
ures of this day, is now, and hereafter will always be most 
thoroughly appreciated, and to them will rightfully belong 
the honor of the opening act of what we hope and confi- 
dently believe will prove a glorious celebration of our city's 
2ooth anniversary. 

After prayer by the Rev. Wesley R. Davis, General 
King then addressed Mayor Thacher ; and on behalf 
of the commission, turned over the exhibition to the 

city. 

Mayor Thacher, in response, said : 

Mr. King, I accept this work so wisely initiated and so 
happily completed. As Chairman, and acting for the Bi- 
centennial General Committee, I assume control of the 
Loan Exhibition, and for myself and in behalf of our citi- 
zens, I return you our grateful and emphatic acknowledg- 
ments for the efforts you and your skillful associates have 
made in gathering into one convenient reservatory the curi- 
ous relics and precious memorials of many ages. You have 
provided us with a pleasant diversion and a most instruct- 
ive entertainment. Believe me, sir, we cannot forget the 
patient toil, the persistent exploration into half-forgotten 
fields, the sifting discernment and the tireless energy which 
have distinguished the exertions of the ladies and gentlemen 
forming your committee and which shall, henceforth, raise, 
almost beyond the reach of others, the standard of love's 
sweetest labor and the measure of the most exalted gen- 
erosity. 

Citizens, we are assembled upon historic ground. It was 
here in the second month of the year 1864 that the Army 

71 



Relief Bazaar was opened. Into its coffers our people 
poured their wealth to strengthen and maintain the noble 
work instituted by the Sanitary Commission of the war. In 
1856, this place witnessed a brilliant scene. The benevo- 
lence of a few men and of one woman had given Albany a 
watching-place for the stars, and the dedication of the Dud- 
ley Observatory was celebrated here with enthusiasm and 
with splendor. Massachusetts loaned us her Everett, and 
that gifted orator bore his audience up into the heavens 
and sustained the flight for two fascinated hours. 

In 1 83 1, in a room in yonder building was born the 
electro-magnetic telegraph. When Joseph Henry rang a 
bell over a wire more than a mile in length, it was an an- 
nouncement to commerce and to the world that the light- 
nings were harnessed and were ready for their use. Henry 
was born in Albany, received his education in that building, 
there carried on his experiments and there made his dis- 
covery. Surely we owe the memory of this great man a 
mighty tribute and a brave reward. 

On the 26th day of July, 1788, the State Convention 
agreed to the adoption of the Federal Constitution. Two 
weeks afterwards, our city signalized the event with the 
most imposing ceremonies ever known in America up to 
that time, and which even now, after the lapse of a hundred 
years, we may not hope much to surpass during our Bi- 
centennial celebration. The procession was an hour and a 
half passing a given point, and in it every trade, profession 
and calling was represented, while our best citizens patriot- 
ically molded themselves into tableaux upon moving floats. 
Where we now are was the climax of the hill, and so it was 
of their eftbrts. Here, the multitude sat down and feasted, 
drinking innumerable toasts to the compact of the States. 

It was here, in 1689, that Jacob Leisler's assumption of 
the Governorship of New York was rebuked by the stub- 
born patriotism of the burgers and the fidelity of our Indian 
allies. Leisler sent his son-in-law, Milburne, with four ships 
and a company of armed soldiers to force a recognition of 
his authority and to take from us our charter, which was 
declared null and void, because granted in the time of King 
James the II. The Mayor was shut up with a small force 
in Fort Albany at about the point where St. Peter's Church 
now stands. Milburne marched up to the fort and de- 
manded admission, which was denied him, whereupon he 



72 



prepared to fire. Then a company of Mohawk Indians, 
encamped where we now are, sent word to Milburne that 
if he did not at once withdraw, they would destroy him and 
his men. The New York usurpers retired and our charter 
remained safe in its seal and in its integrity. 

So, I say, the spirit of historic interest inhabits the spot 
chosen for this exhibition and it is our duty to recall its 
glories, hallowed as they are by charity, dignified by benev- 
olence, immortalized by scientific discovery, made sacred 
by fidelity and patriotism, and now in these latter days 
dedicated forever to the great cause of education and the 
advancement of learning. 

The Mayor introduced the poet, Mr. William D. 
Morange, who read 

The Poem. 

All things combining, urging and inviting 

To make the hour auspicious and delighting — 

The gentle cracker and the tuneful gun ; 

The small boy's cannon, bursting with its fun ; 

The drum that's beat by every Jackey Horner ; 

The horn that's heard — or taken at the corner; 

The gay parades, this marvelous display, 

This courtly audience honoring the day, 

All things persuading, prompting and inspiring 

The intellectual gun to do some firing — 

Here, on this sweet and restful day, old Time 

Comes up, to be put down in prose and rhyme. 

Oh ! that the men of vanished days could see 

The eager present, big with history. 

Debating over famous spots and nooks 

Located variously in various books ! 

Oh ! that the men of vanished days could hear 

The stories of the past that now appear ! 

By some whose minds upon the past are bent, 

It might be thought in order, to present 

On this occasion, something like a show 

Of all the past we read about or know ; 

Great Scripture memories, served with solemn phrase, 

Allusions to the classic Roman days, 

The lives, the big events, the joys, the tears. 

Comprised within our past two hundred years ; 

The birth of empires and their vast dissensions ; 

Enormous wars and wonderful inventions ; 

The strange exploits and mysteries of crime 

PLncompassed by that period of time ; 

Others might think their bounden duty lay. 

To fairly revel in a mixed display 

n 



Of feathers, beaver skins and telephones, 

Cocked hats, mould candles, gas and cobble stones. 

Steamboats, old wigs, pipes, krout and fancy stitches, 

Flint locks, bows, Gatling guns and leather breeches, 

Street pumps and scalping knives, electric lights, 

And clubs and hatchets used in various fights, 

Including clubs that in these times of peace 

Are sometimes used by our discreet police. 

And so, contrast the past with present days, 

And show each epoch's various whims and ways. 

Others, again, might urgently insist, 

On filling out a long and labored list 

Of customs, laws and facts, from Hudson down, 

That make the story of our grand old town ; 

The style of Indian' and the things they wore. 

When Hudson's vessel glided to the shore ; 

The style of Dutchmen that prevailed, when fate 

ISIade them the rulers of more recent date. 

And ringing through the hills and valleys round, 

Old Dutch made Indian warwhoops weak in sound. 

Others might want, to give the subject life. 

Some fiery notes of Dutch and Indian strife ; 

Some thrilling tales of those long-buried days 

Wiien old-time water earned its meed of praise ; 

When moving proudly to the river's side. 

The Halfmoon people mixed their drinks with pride. 

And taught the Mohawks, waiting at the shore. 

Ideas of Indian corn not known before.^ 

Some more might ask, as requisite and just, 

To lift our glory out of common dust. 

All things pertaining to our busy past ; 

The push and fire that made us grow so fast ; 

A business record of the changes made 

In churches, burial grounds and haunts of trade ; 

The truths, the fables in the guise of truth. 

In print, or whispered of our city's youth; 

The sounding titles of the potent race 

That early held dominion in the place ; 

The lovely women and the daring men ; 

All tliese might tribute claim from voice and jien; 

Have genuine interest and charming power. 

Give History's garden many a blooming flower. 

But well may wait some other brilliant hour. 

We simply celebrate that long gone time. 
When stout young Albany began to climb 
The hill of fame ; to note that famous hour. 
When clad with chartered right we rose to power ; 
To glorify the date we won our name, 
AUieit in modern style, we start tlie game 
With great display and many a sounding word, 
A little while before the thing occurred. 

Two hundred years ago, that is to say, 
'Twill be two hundred at some future day. 



74 



One Thomas Dongan — famous Irishman — 

Bestowed home rule on Dutchmen, and began 

The chartered town now here, and linked his name 

Forever with the story of our fame. 

To found great cities, was a cherished thought, 

That through all ages mighty wonders wrought. 

Prophets and poets, seers and gifted men. 

Were never more sublimely known, than when 

On bold imagination's rapid wing, 

They, o'er the living present hastening, 

Cleft the far future, and with proud delight, 

Announced some dream of undeveloped might ; 

Declared some spot of small renown to be 

The favored choice of wond'rous destiny. 

When from the sparkling and majestic tide 

That fronts our town the shipmen saw with pride 

The scenes of marvelous beauty all around — 

The pleasant vales, the hills with splendor crowned - 

Some dreams of future glory must have marked 

The quiet region where they disembarked. 

Well might they bear their glowing stories back, 

Of the fair place that charmed them in their track. 

And tell the people of the dams and dykes — 

Van Rensselaers and Schuylers, and Van Dycks — 

How fame and fortune hovered round these parts, 

And fire with eager hope their souls and hearts. 

We have no special evidence that when 

The tale was told to those old Holland men. 

They dreamed what empire here might be displayed. 

Or held it other than a place of trade ; 

Yet, ere the charter came, a fort was here, 

A church, a market, lumber mills, and beer. 

A sketch of present times, although the place 

Has changed a trifle since those days of grace, 

As those who recollect, and from the Dutch 

Bought newspapers and ale, cigars and such. 

Will readily concede, when looking round, 

They note how now such luxuries abound. 

When, as the gift of time, our charter came. 

And gave the watchword for our future fame. 

From that date onward, down to present days. 

The record of our home commands our praise. 

The story of our progress may not show 

Impetuous haste — these days might call it slow — 

But all along our line of march there comes. 

Now through the noise of war and roll of drums. 

Now through the days of peace and quiet hours, 

The evidence of sterling worth and powers. 

The honest traders who began our life. 

And came to meet the club and scalping knife. 

Wise with the maxims, habits and intent, 

That through all ages marked their own descent. 

Brought with them to the savage solitude 



75 



A stately form, a friend that grandly stood, 

Their guest, protector, source of strength and might, 

Their herald to true glory based on right; 

Wearing their garb, and speaking in their tongue, 

In tones that through all later times have rung ; 

Bearing the legends, grand and eloquent, 

" In Union Strength" — "Taxation by Consent" — 

" Free Right to Worship God." The friend I see 

Was civil and religious liberty ! 

Intolerance shadowed not witli gloomy wing 

Our early soil, nor thrust its deadly sting; 

Our young life blood of progress felt no death 

From the foul poison of its vampire breath. 

Such is our record, though our title be 

Fort Orange, Beaverwyck or Albany ! 

Satiric fancy, dealing with our past. 
Might make some glory hunters stand aghast, 
And hardly realize our claim to glory 
From certain features noted in the story. 

If to be quaint and whimsical in plan, 

With odd streets, staggering like a drunken man, 

Accord but strangely with the proud renown 

That lights a classic or historic town — 

If the old place, a hundred years ago, 

Might lack in certain things we moderns know — 

If Holland brick in clumsy structures piled, 

With curious roofs fantastically tiled. 

May not exhibit Architecture's throne 

With all the wonders later times have shown — 

If to be hallowed ground, the crimson trace 

Of grand exploits must illustrate tlie place, 

And the immediate soil we tread must bear 

Ensanguined evidence — then seek elsewhere! 

But if to be the teeming source of power ; 

The fount of bold device that rules the hour ; 

The theatre of wise suggestive plan 

And schemes of blessing unto fellow-man ; 

If to have gloried in and hailed with praise 

A throng of heroes since the early days ; 

If martial ardor glowed with splendid fire 

Compelling even foemen to admire; 

If to have been and still remain to be 

The home of gentle hospitality. 

Refinement, lofty aims and generous hearts, 

The patron, lover, friend of all the arts — 

If such a record may a glow impart 

To local annals — let us all take heart ! 

I envy not the man whose honest glance 
Takes in our past — war, business or romance — 
Our martial annals, or the large display 
Of genius, Iseauty, serious life or gay, 

76 



Who cannot recognize all through our story, 
Our genuine claim to real substantial glory. 

Here our great Cooper found attractive themes 
That filled his speaking page with glowing dreams ; 
Here, where his pungent satire grew more bright 
Our Irving gathered flowers of rare delight ; 
Here, Franklin for the first time promulgates 
The plan which makes us now United States; 
Here, like the planets circling round the sun. 
Old chivalry took light from Washington. 
And gallant Schuyler, ardent Lafayette, 
And kindred souls familiar moved and met. 
Here, the great central seat of power and law, 
Came those whose just renown the nation saw ; 
The men of splendid rhetoric and brain, 
Whose eloquence could every heart enchain. 
The magnates of the past, whose genius shines 
And later history brightens and refines, 
From time to time found here abiding place. 
And felt the charm of genuine social grace. 
I need not make a catalogue display, 
Nor more than merely mention the array 
Of great men, of our own or other nation. 
Who found old Albany a pleasant station ; 
Nor try to run the glorious list all over 
From George, first President, to later Grover ; 
Nor yet, anticipating history 
Complete the splendid line with David B. 

If some may find our progress too sedate, 

Too slow and tedious, for the headlong gait, 

Whirl, fire and dash, that yields such sudden birth 

To younger cities on our western earth — 

Cool judgment still may find a deal to praise, 

In what the cynics call our old Dutch ways. 

We are no longer Dutch in power or name ; 

Our acts, not lineage, merit praise or blame. 

New men, of different race and various clan. 

The Saxon, Frenchman, Scotchman, Irishman, 

The German, with the down-east Yankee, rear 

Alike the standard of dominion here ; 

Urge, coax and guide us on with rapid pace. 

And make the future of this old Dutch place. 

For what old Dutch ideas control us still — 

Sound judgment, conscience, prudence and right will 

Thank Heaven ! and may the kind benignant fates 

Arouse and strengthen more such old Dutch traits ! 

Time's potent finger may with sudden change 

Deck other spots with life more rare and strange, 

But if sedate and less impulsive, we 

Just simply waddled, we might thankful be. 

If with the consciousness that things begun. 

Exhibit prudence, justice, right, when done ! 

One hundred thousand souls go far to prove 

That progress here is surely on the move. 

77 



We certainly have magnified a deal 

Since here the Mohawks eat their Indian meal. 

And spite of all the sneers that make us slow, 

The fact of utterance does not make it so. 

In countless traits, we justly dare to stand 

The peer of any city in the land ! 

In one thing we are like the old Dutch people 

Before the days of banking-house and steeple ; 

For, through the forest of our streets and houses, 

A cunning, savage foe, at times arouses 

The thoughtless settlers, with the knives and axes 

We moderns learn to know as jobs and taxes. 

But with a leader, brave, resolved and true. 

Who knows his duty and who dares to do. 

Like him, who fills with grace our civic chair. 

And writes his title, John Boyd Thacher, Mayor — 

Let the wild Indians come, with whoop and rattle, 

If pluck and bravery count, he'll win the battle ! 

Now take our city all in all, her claim 

Is large and just for past and present fame. 

With radiant power, the glory of the past 

Lights up the present; present days will cast 

New radiance on the future ; and when time 

Shall tell in careful prose, or careless rhyme, 

The record of what makes our claim to glory; 

One splendid feature in the pleasant story. 

Securing praise, inspiring new ambition. 

Will be the fact of this grand EXHIBITION'; 

This noble work, inspired by cultured thought, 

And, fair hands helping, to perfection brought. 

High honor to the ladies and the men ! 

To Howard King — our King — yet citizen ; 

Our Stillman, Mather, Gardner, Boss, Ten Eyck, 

And all the earnest throng whose aim alike 

Has been to honor in yon spacious hall 

Our fine old city's birthday festival. 

Mr. Leonard Kip was then introduced and de- 
livered 

THE ORATION. 

Ladies and Gentlet^ien — It has been our custom 
hitherto to improve our national anniversary with no stinted 
commendation of our origin, progress and resources. We 
have satisfactorily reviewed our foreign wars, and have 
learned to believe that every battle was for us a victory, and 
every leader upon our side a master of military strategy. 
We have told ourselves that all our soldiers were heroes in- 
spired with patriotic fire, and that all against whom we have 
ever fought were minions of brutal tyrants. We have 

78 



looked into our congressional halls, and recognized in our 
representatives, marvels of unequaled ability and learning ; 
and we have noted, in their settlement of foreign difficulties, 
the exhibition of wonderful skill and acumen, ever, as 
through some kindly fate, working for our sole glory and 
advancement. And this has come about — we somewhat 
modestly admit — not from having educated in ourselves such 
unsurpassable qualities, but simply from the tendency of 
our free and independent institutions to create in us a nation 
of gifted citizens, adorned with attributes of valor and states- 
manship which, in the nature of things, could not be expected 
to grace the down-trodden subjects of selfish and effete 
monarchies. Such has always been our pleasant programme 
upon this day ; and perhaps its exaggerations need not too 
severely be scrutinized, since they may not unlikely tend to 
evoke a patriotic sentiment, firm in the idea that certainly 
no sacrifices of life or fortune could be too great if made in 
defense of such incomparable results of political freedom. 

Now, for a while, we change our method, letting the great 
interests of the nation at large go on without our patronage, 
and bringing our observation down to the more limited area 
of our city, which, with good reason, has chosen this day to 
celebrate a striking event in its own history. It happens 
that, two hundred years ago, the settlement of Albany 
gained a charter and became mvested with civic dignities. 
To us, at first sight, this scarcely seems to be a matter worthy 
of great attention. A city charter is merely a change of 
government in what has previously existed safely under the 
shield and protection of a larger organization ; and hence 
it gives simply the power to conduct municipal operations 
under a different and generally more complicated system. 
But in the olden days a city charter was a sacred thing, to be 
long and earnestly striven for, and, as sometimes happened, 
to be attained only through war or insurrection. Towns 
grew into importance and shrank back again into obscurity 
without having been deemed worthy of the honor ; other and 
perhaps smaller towns secured it only by valor in some espe- 
cial cause, or as a reward for distinguished political services. 
The giving of a charter was as the sword of knighthood laid 
upon the civic shoulder — the patent of its nobility — the 
partial release from feudal tenures. It placed the city more 
closely beneath the protection of its sovereign ; it gave it 
what did not then always exist, the right to protect itself. 

79 



Its streets might run red with blood in contest with some 
rival city ; but it would be in maintenance of its vested 
privileges, and this consciousness alone would be sufficient 
to give vigor to the defense. It could organize civic insti- 
tutions, with fair expectation that, under the protecting aegis 
of the charter, they would become permanent ; and it could 
emblazon its arms upon its flag. 

Naturally, therefore, it could not fail to happen, that 
almost from the very foundation of Albany — or at least from 
the earliest time when it began to be apparent that it had a 
fair promise of a successful future — ideas of civic indepen- 
dence should accompany its growth and color its aspirations. 
Its original settlers, upon leaving Europe, had by no means 
cast aside their traditions or affiliations ; why should not 
Albany some day attain the dignity of older cities ? And 
why, in fact, should it not, in this broad land where every- 
thing was of such rapid growth, reach its due measure of 
importance with yet greater celerity ; so that, instead of 
toiling for centuries through abject vassalage, it could 
advance with speedy pace, and even in a single generation 
attain some measure of dignity and self-government ? In 
the beginning a mere trading post upon the border of a 
manorial estate, it had been held in something like feudal 
dependence, under a crude system of law, tempered only by 
the shadow of colonial authority, which, centered at a dis- 
tance, could not always successfully maintain its influence or 
afford protection. Then, set apart by itself and a semblance 
of freedom given it, it was still somewhat overborne by the 
authority of its powerful neighbor, as well as bound by olden 
tendencies toward consent and agreement, if not entire obe- 
dience. And when at last the charter was bestowed, and 
Albany became a free and independent city, it must have 
been with much self-satisfaction and complacency. Those 
ancestors of ours were not, by nature, unduly given to open 
demonstration of their feelings, and did not, — as far as we 
now can tell — hail their charter with fireworks, processions 
and pageantry. But all the same, it was a boon for which in 
their quiet manner they greatly rejoiced, knowing that now 
they could stand before the world, as did their ancestral 
cities abroad, free, under certain necessary restrictions, to 
make their own laws and endow their schools, churches and 
seats of learning, and in many ways look forward to assured 
prosperity as well as to possible commercial importance. 

80 



And now, in pleasant memory of that time, we open our 
celebration of Albany's Bi-centenary. We will speak about 
our natural resources ; our commerce and manufactures ; 
our railroad and water connections ; and we will give out 
our invitations to all the world to come and establish frater- 
nal trade with us. We will look with satisfaction upon 
being one of the oldest living cities of the thirteen colonies. 
We will review our history, and point with pride to the fact 
that in the Revolution, Albany was so long the keystone of 
the contest, the critical position which, if once lost, would 
result in all being lost, the objective point for the possession 
of which two armies fought. And in addition, as flowers 
to a feast, we have here collected into one pleasing museum 
the treasures of our homes, to exemplify our perception of 
taste, our artistic culture and our veneration for the past. 
Some of this gathered wealth speaks only of the present, 
and claims no other recognition than for its beauty and 
costliness. As such it is welcome, and cannot fail, when 
rightly considered, to prove an incentive to future art. And 
there is much that comes to us redolent with sweet sugges- 
tions of the past; with richness of design or material more 
or less perhaps, or possibly with no especial artistic beauty 
at all, except the quaintness which, in such matters, is often 
beauty's handmaid, yet none the less of priceless value to 
us, since each piece whispers some story of the past. That 
tarnished lace — in its freshness it must once have decked 
some form of grace at the Court of William the Silent. 
That rusted sword — it must have been drawn for the faith 
in the army of Prince Maurice. That old stained and 
worm-eaten Bible — some pale brow and trembling lips may 
have bent over it for the last time, while the inquisitors of 
Philip stood knocking at the door below. That capacious 
bowl — it may have had festive groups of generals and 
councilors of State gathered about it, as they drank in 
rejoicing for some victory over the Spanish army. Is it not 
right that we should hold these relics in veneration ? They 
not only speak to us about the past, but they tell us that 
Albany has an ancestry in art. They prove to us that those 
who earliest came among us did not, in canting spirit, 
attempt to cast away all beauty from their lives, but that it 
was a part of their earnest care to surround themselves, in 
their new relations, with pleasant memories of the days gone 
by; to the intent, perhaps, that when their shattered for- 

8i 



tunes were repaired, the whole sweet past might be restored 
in all its power, and their homes again bloom with the ac- 
customed loveliness and refinement. 

But when the heir, who at his majority has come to his 
estate with great rejoicing, would wish at some future period 
to celebrate a particular epoch in his life, we are apt to ask 
what should be the incentive to the new festivities, and how 
far they may be justified by what has past ? What has been 
the life that now is to be signalized with loud acclaim, what 
the performance of its early promise, and what its influence 
upon its period and surroundings ? If it has been a barren, 
profitless life, remarkable only for its duration, wherein should 
it be made an occasion for joyful gathering ? The beggar 
at the gate, with his still more extended span of years, might 
therein show a better claim for consideration. In the review 
of any life there must be cause for sadness as well as for joy ; 
and it is a foolish heart that can give vent to exultation only, 
and feel no self-reproach for neglected opportunity. And 
so in Albany, when we would boast our age and his- 
tory, we should at least consider whether as a city we have, 
in all respects, been true to our early promise and advan- 
tages. In matters of trade and enterprise we may have 
done passingly well, and even in surrounding ourselves with 
all material comforts. But what about the influence which 
we should have allowed our artistic associations to exert 
upon us in fostering enduring and wide extended tastes? 
In what respect, while more and more richly embellishing 
our lives, have we reminded ourselves that, while our homes 
are to be made beautiful, their surroundings should not be 
neglected ? And in this connection how far have we im- 
pressed it upon our consciousness that we should strive to 
give our city, which in one sense is our larger home, a por- 
tion of our taste and culture, so that for this as well as for 
commercial enterprise it may have some claim upon the 
world's admiration and regard ? 

What example, in this direction, do we find in the cities 
from which, in part, our own city traces its lineage, and 
which we so complacently believe we are outstripping in 
every essential attribute ? For centuries, indeed, they seemed 
to be dormant ; it was no time to become inspired with 
ideas of progress, when siege and battle and rapine were 
almost the habit of the day. It may well be understood that 
then, not only could no scheme for civic improvement be 

82 



organized, but that even their household treasures must often 
need careful concealment. But within a generation there 
has been to many of those cities, an awakening. The 
superfluity of their riches has been gathered into galleries, 
to which all the world has been invited for study. The love 
of art-culture has extended ; and they have asked themselves 
why, with beauty in their homes, everything around them 
should not be made to correspond ? They have re-embel- 
lished their churches and erected new civic buildings. They 
have not, in any rash spirit of modernizing, widened their 
narrow streets. This, if it could be done at all, would 
almost be profanation, since much history has there been 
made and centered. But in the outskirts they have opened 
newer and broarder avenues ; and little wooded parks have 
taken the place of antiquated fortifications now swept away ; 
and arched coUonades have been extended as an artistic 
framework along the boarders of noted places ; and foun- 
tains have been set to gush at the corners of the streets or 
in open courts. Much of this has been done, too, not as 
we make improvement, through individual impulse grafting 
separate and incongruous ideas upon our streets, but rather 
through common assent giving the adornment of the city 
into the custody of thoughtful minds, whereby well-conceived 
designs fitly carried out may gradually grow into a harmoni- 
ous whole. And with all this, their great historic names and 
their benefactors have not been forgotten. In the galleries 
we see their sombre portraits in ruffs or slashed doublets, or 
chain armor, or official robes, an imposing line extending far 
back into the middle ages ; in the niches outside the pubHc 
buildings are their stone busts ; in the public parks bronze 
or marble statues more largely attest the gratitude of the 
people and keep alive those sacred memories. 

How far, with all our boasted enterprise and progress, 
have we advanced into a realization that the material require- 
ments of health, protection and convenient commercial 
facilities are not the only things our city need regard ; but 
that the truest economy is that which, within certain bounds, 
would lavish our resources upon it, and by one systematic 
effort clothe it with beauy, and make it not only a satisfac- 
tion to ourselves, but an attraction to others ? And in doing 
so, how far have we become ready to give grateful express- 
ion to the memory of our great men and benefactors ? 
Their line does not reach back for many centuries, and yet 

83 



they are not few in number. Almost at a thought we can 
recall many who long before this should have had a better 
recognition of their value to us. There is Petrus Stuyves- 
ant, the last of our Dutch Governors, a man who, in his tmie, 
was not greatly loved in Beverwyck, and in resentment of 
his fancied encroachments was somewhat disrespectfully 
treated by it ; but whose reputation has grown bright as a 
ruler of much administrative abiUty, and who, if he had not 
been deposed by a stronger power, would have deserved 
well of the whole colony, and now certainly seems to demand 
some notice in the city which has become its capital. 
There is De Witt Clinton, the promoter of the Erie canal, 
who thereby helped make Albany what it is, instead of re- 
maining, as might have happened, little more than an inland 
village. There is Robert Fulton who, with his mechanical 
genius, fitly supplemented the work of Clinton, and gave to 
the canal the power more efficiently to let its cargoes float 
down to the ocean. There is Philip Schuyler, for a period 
the commander of the northern patriot army, and for many 
months the defender of our outposts ; and who, if due jus- 
tice had been meted out to him, might himself have had 
the good fortune to fight the battles of Stillwater and Sara- 
toga, and take prisoner the royahst leader whom he was 
merely left to entertain. There is Washington Irving, most 
genial of New York writers, whose pleasantry about the cus- 
toms of our ancestors has been long forgiven, as we have 
learned to read between the lines, and appreciate aright his 
tenderly drawn picturing of our colonial homes — as accu- 
rate and sympathetic in description as anything that Scott has 
ever written about the lowland life of his native land. And 
there is Fenimore Cooper, still ranking as the greatest of 
American novelists, whose pen has made classic the woods 
and waters of our northern border, and who, in two novels 
of his later years, has illustrated old-time life upon the Hud- 
son river, and the colonial society of Albany itself, with a 
fidelity and accuracy of detail that can never be excelled by 
any other pen, even though equal genius might be found to 
wield it. What has so far been done among us to give per- 
manent expression of our gratitude to these and others who 
in this connection might be mentioned ? Where is now 
even our single monument to the soldiers who, within our 
memory, went from among us to the battle field, never to 
return ? 



84 



So far there may have been some excuse for a portion of 
our remissness. During the generation now passing we 
have been occupied with more serious matters than tasteful 
decoration of our streets, or pubUc acknowledgment of our 
benefactors. For a while we were fighting for our homes, 
and there were times when we did not feel certain in what 
condition the fortune of war might leave them to us. And 
after that, came days of trouble and despondency, in which 
all seemed dark in our credit and resources, and we knew 
not whether we should ever fully recover from the shock of 
arms and settle down once more to the pleasant ways of 
peace. But even within the present year the clouds of un- 
certainty have rolled apart, and we have become able to see 
prosperous paths stretching out before us. Three of our 
greatest generals have passed away, and we have met no in- 
dication of offense or detraction from those who once called 
themselves their enemies ; nothing but the chivalrous respect 
with whicli brave men will ever regard other brave men who 
have fought with them upon principal and in honor. From 
his retirement the leader of the lost cause has come and 
again uttered those olden sophistries which once stirred half 
a continent to warfare. For a time there were some among 
us who stood uncertain about what might happen. Was this 
the glimmering of a torch which again would light us up 
with conflagration ? But as we listened, we heard little to 
dismay us. Even the few words of sympathy with the utter- 
ances of the fallen chieftain had no fervor in them ; and, 
rightly understood, seem nothing else than the desire to 
soften, for a short period, the disappointments of a broken 
down, embittered old man. The danger of disunion for 
any cause that we have yet known has forever passed away. 
Each footfall in the funeral march with which we have borne 
our heroes to their graves has found a throb of answering 
sympathy in some southern soldier's heart ; and the hands 
that lightly met at Appomattox, have now been clasped with 
warm and fervent pressure across the tomb at Riverside. 
The aspiration of the great soldier has become fulfilled, and 
at last we have peace. 

And now, with that peace has came our opportunity. 
How will we improve our coming years ? Some day there 
will be other celebrations of this kind in Albany. I do not 
speak of another anniversary of our charter, a century hence. 
None who are now here would live to see it ; nor, amid the 

85 



many changes of social and civic life, could we be sure that 
it would ever have a place. But within the present genera- 
tion will come the tri-centenary of Albany's first settlement ; 
and it may be looked upon as certain that the occasion will 
not remain unimproved. There may be attractions attend- 
ing it, like the present ; once more in this very place, per- 
haps, and even with some of these same art and household 
treasures taking their mute part in it. And it is almost cer- 
tain also, that there are many persons now here who will 
then be here again. With what spirit and under what cir- 
cumstances will they come ? Will they draw near through 
broken and market crowded streets, — past antiquities, un- 
noticed and uncared for, — along lines of architectural 
incongruities, our great buildings unfinished, and becoming 
a world-wide reproach, because no public spirit has been 
aroused with sufficient force to free them from political inca- 
pacity ; and entering here, look upon the collection of that 
day as something to be considered with a careless and in- 
different eye, and worthy only to afford an hour's amusement, 
before being remanded to its former comparative obscurity ? 
Or, under happier auspices, will they come through pleasant 
and shaded ways, adorned with tasteful and harmonious 
architecture, — past our pubhc buildings all completed and 
crowned with the approbation of the world for their beauty 
and richness, — across bright open spaces where fountains 
sparkle in the sun, and through parks where our great men, 
in enduring bronze and marble, look down from their sculp- 
tured pedestals and mutely attest our grateful memory for 
them ; and with such associations cheered, liere gaze upon 
our rehcs, not merely as precious heirlooms that can tell en- 
tertaining stories of the past, but as treasures that have 
already taught a lesson, in adding inspiration toward an 
ever-briehtenins: future of art and culture ? 



THE MANAGERS OF THE EXHIBITION, 

The successful inauguration of this exhibition was due to 
the exertions of the following officers and committees : 

President, J. Howard King; Vice-President, James T. 
Gardiner; Secretary, Henry James Ten Eyck; Treasurer, 
Ledyard Cogswell. 

Executive Committee — James T. Gardiner, Chairman ; 



86 



Mrs. John Boyd Thacher, Mrs, Erastus Corning, Jr., Mrs. 
Robert Shaw Ohver, Mrs. Clarence Rathbone, Miss Frances 

C. Nott, Charles Tracey, W. O. Stillman, Henry James Ten 
Eyck, George Douglas Miller, Charles Visscher Winne. 

Bi-Centennial Loan Commission — J. Howard King, 
President ; Robert C. Pruyn, John Boyd Thacher, Selden 
E. Marvin, J. Townsend Lansing, John L. Van Valken- 
burgh, John C. Nott, Robert Shaw Oliver, Douw H. Fonda, 
Lewis Boss, Charles Tracey, Samuel B. Towner, Henry 
James Ten Eyck, John Zimmerman, Robert D. WiUiams, 
W. O. Stillman, James T. Gardiner, George Douglass Mil- 
ler, William Bayard Van Rensselaer, Cliarles Visscher 
Winne. 

Ladies' Auxiliary Committee — Mrs. John Boyd 
Thacher, Mrs. Erastus Corning, Jr., Mrs. Robert Shaw 
Oliver, Mrs. Clarence Rathbone, Miss Frances C. Nott, 
Mrs. Philip Ten Eyck, Mrs. Samuel Hand, Mrs. WiUiam 
Cassidy, Mrs. Hamilton Harris, Mrs. John DeWitt Peltz, 
Mrs. J. G. Farnsworth, Mrs. Ledyard Cogswell, Mrs. Jacob 
H. Ten Eyck, Mrs. Volkert P. Douw, Mrs. James P. Boyd, 
Mrs. E. B. Ten Broeck, Mrs. John H. Reynolds, Jr., Miss 
Annie V. R. Russell, Mrs. Rufus W. Peckham, Mrs. Mar- 
cus T. Hun. 

Pictures, Prints and Statuary — Mrs. John Boyd 
Thacher, Chairman ; Mrs. William Cassidy, Lewis Balch, 
Mrs. Walter D. Nicholas, John Battersby, Charles G. Saxe, 
Irving Browne, Thomas Buckley, Miss Harriet I. Barnes, 
William Bruce, Edward R. Cassidy. 

Old Furniture, Ancient Dress and General 
Relics — Miss Frances C. Nott, Chairman ; Mrs. A. 
Bleecker Banks, Mrs. J. Townsend Lansing, Mrs. J. H. 
Ten Eyck, Mrs. James P. Boyd, Mrs. F. S. Pruyn, Mrs. R. 

D. Williams, Mrs. Volkert P. Douw, Miss Gertrude Ten 
Eyck, Thomas Buckley, Thurlow Weed Barnes. 

Ceramics, Glass and Ivories — Mrs. Robert Shaw 
Oliver, Chairman ; E. D. Palmer, Rev. Wesley R. Davis, 
Mrs. Samuel Hand, Miss Anne V. R. Russell, Miss Rath- 
bone, Mrs. Ledyard Cogswell, Charles L. Pruyn, George D. 
Fearey, R. W. Gibson, Harry C. Cushman. 

Bric-a-Brac, Old Silver and Personal Ornaments 
— Mrs. Erastus Corning, Jr., Chairman ; Mrs. John De Witt 
Peltz, Mrs. Marcus T. Hun, Mrs. Bayard U. Livingstone, 
Richard L. Annesley, Mrs. E. B. Ten Broeck, Mrs. John 

87 



H. Reynolds, Jr., Miss Vanderpoel, James H. Leake, W. 
W. Byington. 

Books, Pamphlets, Maps and Manuscripts — Geo. 
Douglas Miller, Chairman ; the Rev. W. W. Battershall, 
Leonard Kip, the Rev. Edward A. Terry, Mrs. Hamilton 
Harris, Mrs. Marcus T. Hun, B, Irving Stanton, N. C. 
Moak, Lewis Boss, Robert D. WiUiams, Harmon Pumpelly 
Read, Miss Cynthia R. Dexter, Duncan Campbell. 

Indian Relics — Charles Visscher Winne, Chairman; 
Douw H. Fonda, W. W. Crannell, S. N. D. North, J. Wal- 
lace Canady. 

Decorations, Arrangements and Transportation 
— W. O. Stillman, Chairman; R. W. Gibson, Mrs. D. K. 
Bartlett, Mrs. J. G. Farnsworth, Craig McClure. 

Catalogue, Printing and Insurance — Chas. Tracey, 
Chairman ; Selden E. Marvin, F. G. Mather, John L. Van 
Valkenburgh, Carlisle N, Greig. 

Relics of the Civil War — Charles Visscher Winne, 
Chairman ; A. H. Spierre, J. W. Kenny, John S. Hutman, 
Angus McD. Shoemaker. 

Saturday, July 1 7th — Reception of the Caughnawaga 
Indians. 

Crowds thronged the streets to see the Caughna- 
waga Indians arrive in the city from their home in 
Canada. The train was to arrive at 5 : 10 P. M., and at 
that time the depot and the surrounding locality was 
densely crowded by an interested populace. 

Preparatory to escorting the red men, the Jackson 
Corps, accompanied by the Albany City band, and 
headed by a platoon of police, under Sergeant Cava- 
naugh, proceeded to the City Hall where a counter- 
march was made. Then the corps escorted the 
aldermanic delegation, consisting of Aldermen Hitt 
Greagan, Norton, Woodward and Marshal Craven to 
the depot. The corps presented an excellent ap- 
pearance. 

88 



The Caughnawaga Indians were nearly an hour late 
in arriving in this city. They were received at the 
depot, and then, accompanied by the escort, pro- 
ceeded to the City Hall. The Indians numbered 
thirty-three. On the way up to the City Hall the 
aldermanic delegation walked immediately behind the 
Jackson corps, while the Indians followed. It was a uni- 
que spectacle, for although the natives were in the ordi- 
nary garb, their race mark was sufficiently prominent 
to give the scene a strong interest. There were in the 
party fourteen men and sixteen squaws, some of whom 
were plainly dressed, while the younger females were 
decked out in all the height of civilized fashion, and 
chains around the neck were the principal ornaments. 

Arriving at the City Hall the party proceeded to 
the Common Council chamber, where there was not 
nearly enough space to seat the great crowd. The 
Indian delegates took seats in front. 

Aid. Hitt sounded the gavel, and when there was 
order Mayor Thacher appeared and took his place 
at the President's desk. 

Then Father Walworth arose, and in a few appro- 
priate words presented the city's guests to the Mayor, 

MAYOR THACHER'S WELCOME. 

Mayor Thacher, then in reply, spoke as follows : 

Chiefs, many moons ago, almost more than you can count 
with the beads upon your wampum belt, your fathers gave 
a hospitable welcome and the hand of friendship to our 
fathers as they landed on these shores. It is now our turn 
to greet you and give you our welcome. Then we were 
few in numbers, while you were like the leaves of the forest. 
Then we were weak, while you were strong, and with that 

89 



weapon, the tomahawk, so dreaded by the whites, you could 
easily have destroyed us. Instead of that you passed us 
the pipe of peace and bade us be your friends. We can 
do no less now than to call you friends, extend to you the 
hospitalities of our city, and assign you an important part 
in our festivities. 

Chiefs, we are in the enjoyment of a form of government 
which is as pecuhar as it is strong and enduring. It is a 
single nation made up of many States, bound together by 
one indissoluble tie. This idea of a Union was foreshad- 
owed by your own confederation of the Five Nations. The 
truth that in union strength is found, was not taught you by 
white men, was not revealed to you by the men of Europe. 
Long before a white man visited these shores, yes, two cen- 
turies at least before this place was settled, the great league 
of the Iroquois was established. What a power it made the 
Five Nations! 

And what a history you have withal ! Your poet sings 
your legendary myths, and tells in strange cadence of the 
marvelous bird which destroyed Hiawatha's only daughter. 
Your people repeat still the national tale of Ta-oun-ye-wa- 
tha and his birch bark canoe as they floated down the Mo- 
hawk to the Canienga town. And our people tell the story 
— and shall tell it until virtue ceases to be interesting to our 
kind and we grow weary of constancy and truth — the story 
of Indian faith and fidelity. 

Our ancestors found in your people a race with whom a 
promise was kept with all the exaction of necessity and with 
whom constancy to a plighted word was as imperative as 
destiny. 

Among all the memories of the past revived by your visit 
here, there is nothing more satisfactory to us, nothing which 
speaks more clearly of the pleasant relations which existed 
between your people and ours in the middle of the seven- 
teenth century than the fact that in all our dealings with you, 
in all our acquisitions of land, we robbed you of nothing, 
but paid for what we got, and with the purchase we obtained 
what gold and silver could not buy, and what was of infi- 
nitely more value to us — the confidence and friendship of 
the Indian. 

Therefore, your presence here now, and the knowledge 
that you will tarry with us during our celebration and join 
with us in our ceremonies, is a source of congratulation with 

90 



large century plants at the sides of the pulpit. Upon 
the wings, in purple flowers, were the figures " 1686— 
1886," the whole design being an apt emblem of the 
city's prosperity, extending as it does from century 
to century. The candelabra, containing lighted can- 
dles, at the sides of the shrine were draped with red, 
white and blue. Bi-centennial flags sprung from the 
sides of the main arch, and the American colors hung 
from the chandeliers. The reading table in front of 
the pulpit was entirely hidden under a bank of flow- 
ers and the platform was bordered with them. The 
organ loft and galleries were covered with deep folds 
of red white and blue bunting. 

THE SERVICES 
A few moments after 10 o'clock, as the choir were 
singing " Glorious is Thy Name," Mayor Thacher, 
and Aldermen Woodward and Klaar entered, escorted 
by Mr. B. Stark, and took seats in Mr. Stark's pew. 
The Rev. J. Wilbur Chapman of the First Reformed, 
and the Rev. Russell Woodman, assistant rector of 
St. Peter's, were also among the audience. The ser- 
vice, much of which was in Hebrew, was very 
impressive. The opening consisted of short prayers, 
interspersed with these chants : Boruck-Chu, Sch'ma, 
Micho Mocho, Kaddesh, Wa-je-hi-bi-ne-so-a, Sch'ma, 
Ho-du al e rez, as the choir chanted " Wa je hi bi ne 
so a," the doors closing out the shrine glided back, 
disclosing the interior of the holy of holies with its 
sacred treasures, and the Rev. Max Schlesinger read 
the Pentateuch from the scroll. The sermon by the 
Rev. Dr. Schlesinger followed, and the service was 
concluded with these musical selections " Bi-centen- 



92 



nial hymn, " " Wa-a-nach-nu, " " Wa a nach nu ko 
rim," air and chorus. 

Rabbi Schlesinger dehvered the sermon and took 
for his text Psalms 127, 1,2,7: "Except the Lord 
build the house, they labor in vain that build it; 
except the Lord keeps the city, the watchman waketh 
but in vain." 

He said in the course of his remarks : This gives us the 
reason for our great rejoicing. Love of country, of the 
place of our habitation, is something natural. We love the 
soil on which our cradle or the cradle of our children stood ; 
the place, that witnessed our joys and sorrows and afforded 
us the battle-field of our life's struggles, is dear to our heart. 
As the tree clings with its roots to the soil from which it 
sprang, as it entwines and embraces it with a thousand fibres, 
which spread farther and deeper with every year, so does 
man cling to the spot on which he lives. Every fibre of his 
soul, his very heart-strings, are entwined around and with it. 
We naturally love our dear old Albany and are proud of her. 
But there are many other reasons for this our great love. 

A JUST PRIDE IN ALBANY. 

The principal one I take to be that our natuial pride in 
our city is also a just pride. You may go far and wide and 
not find a spot that has become the habitation of man which 
is so happily, so grandly, so beautifully situated as our dear 
old Albany. Enthroned on her hills, she sits the veritable 
Queen of the Hudson. It is as if this magnificent river was 
paying homage to her and serving her with all its might. 
To her he brings up the tide of the ocean and makes her the 
head of his unrivalled navigation. From him she sends out 
the canals; and at her feet the happy union of the river with 
the distant lakes is accomplished, a union fruitful of innu- 
merable blessings. A mighty railroad system rushes through 
the whole length of our vast continent until it finds it ter- 
minus in her bosom. Both, railroads and canals, gather up 
the immeasurable wealth of the far West and distant North- 
west, and pour it constantly into her lap. Her industrious 
hands are kept busy handing them over to the waves of her 
faithful Hudson, that they be brought down to the ocean, to 

93 



enrich foreign countries and make glad all nations. What a 
noble and commanding position our dear, old Albany occu- 
pies in the commercial, industrial and agricultural system of 
our country and the world ! And this material wealth is not 
the only blessing for which we have to give thanks. 

THE BLESSING OF HEALTH AND BEAUTY. 

There is another, without which it would be of little value. 
It is health. Seated on her hills and bathing her feet in the 
billows of the Hudson, Albany is one of the healthiest 
cities in this or any other country. Our plentiful supply of 
water and pure air is a boon that cannot be overestimated. 
Not less is her natural drainage which sweeps the city from 
end to end, so that every gust of rain clears and scours her 
streets, as no contractor ever would do. The situation of the 
city is our most efficient health officer. A most magnificent 
landscape scenery surrounds our city as with a panorama. 
Whichever side we turn, we are confronted with beauty so 
refreshing, so exhilarating, that only our daily familiarity 
with it can abate the joy and admiration it is apt to impart 
to the beholder. These, surely, are good reasons for our 
love of Albany. Another, and to my mind the most potent 
reason, is her noble history. We cannot dwell on it at any 
length. Only so much we will say that the main character- 
istic of her 200 years' history were justice and peace. " The 
place of the council fires," she was called by the wild abo- 
rigines, and wise counsels always prevailed within her walls. 
She wrote her record on the pages of history by her valiant 
deeds of great industrial enterprise and daring thought, 
rather than by weapons of warfare. 

HERE BEGAN ENGINEERING TRIUMPHS. 

In the history of the great industrial achievments of our 
age, Albany occupies not a mean place. With Albany and 
the Hudson the annals of steam navigation have to com- 
mence their wonderful story. Here it was where Fulton 
achieved his great triumph in 1807. Between Albany and 
New York was plying his wonderful invention, which became 
the pioneer of all those floating palaces which now fill the 
oceans and navigable rivers. It was mostly Albany enter- 
prise and Albany men who pushed on that gigantic work of 
inland navigation, a grand scheme of watery highways, that 

94 



connect the West with the East, was accomplished, and bene- 
fited the whole country indirectly still more than directly. 
When in October, 1825, the canal from Lake Erie to Albany 
was completed it was not only our State which rejoiced and 
was thrilled by this great success. All over the country 
enterprise received a stimulus as never before. The great 
benefit to be derived from an easy and uninterrupted con- 
nection between the various parts of our vast territories was 
clearly perceived. The wonderful steam car, which but a 
short time before, had been invented in England, was brought 
over to this country, where it was to find its widest scope for 
running its glorious race with joyous errands of progress and 
peace. 

THE SCENE OF GRAND ACHIEVEMENTS. 

And again it was our dear old Albany that was foremost 
in appreciating and welcoming this new messenger of good 
tidings. In 1826 already a charter was granted to the Hud- 
son and Mohawk railroad company, and in 1830 trains ran 
from Albany to Schenectady over one of the first railroads 
of this country. As has been recently pointed out by his 
honor, the Mayor, even the telegraph announced its coming 
first in out dear old city. When in 1831 Joseph Henry 
made his marvelous experiment, and by means of an electro- 
magnet transmitted signals through a wire more than a mile 
in length, causing a bell to sound at the further end of the 
wire — this bell rang in the era of the telegraph. In the 
American Journal of Science he pointed out the applicabil- 
ity of the facts, demonstrated by his experiments, to the 
instantaneous conveyance of intelligence between distant 
points by means of a magnetic telegraph. You see that 
almost every one of the great inventions which facilitate the 
progress of our age is more or less connected with our city. 
Have we not good reason to be proud of her record ? 

Dr. Schlesinger concluded his instructive address 

with an appropriate peroration and prayer for the city 

and city officers. 

SUNDAY DEVOTIONS. 
Sunday dawned fair and bright ; there was neither 
wind nor rain in view to spoil the pleasure of the 

95 



opening of the greatest week in the history of this old, 
old city. For many days prior, people complained of 
the extremely warm weather, but all thought that this 
day had been created specially for Albany's great 
Bi-centenary. Soon, however, the warm rays began to 
beat down, and as early as nine o'clock the air was 
damp, sultry and warm. Crowds of Albanians and 
visitors were seen in the streets early, all viewing old 
Albany in her bridal dress. Many comments fell 
from the strangers, complimenting the beauty and 
taste displayed by the decorations. Throngs wended 
their way to the churches, where the more notable 
services took place, all intent upon hearing a good 
sermon, and combining the elements of Christian 
teaching and Christian history in this city. None 
carried umbrellas though, and people generally were 
surprised to hear the rain begin to patter on the roofs 
soon after seating themselves. The sky looked clear 
and cloudless when they entered ; when they left the 
holy temples rain was falling fast. Considerable 
thunder accompanied the rain — all making a fit sym- 
bol of this great commencement of a great week. 
God's hand at the outset was shown, and his grace 
and benediction later, when He caused to clear away 
the rain clouds, leaving Albany in the afternoon a 
pleasant, beautiful city. Following are full reports 
of the services in the'various churches: 

ST. MARY'S. 

The exercises at St. Mary's church were striking, 
unique, and moreover grand. It was a fitting cele- 
bration of the Bi-centenary. A grand military mass 

96 



is a rare event in this country, and Albany never 
saw one before. Elaborate preparations had been 
made for the care of the vast multitude that was 
expected to attend, and as a consequence the best of 
order prevailed and the greatest possible number of 
spectators admitted to the church. Those who were 
fortunate to secure a ticket of admission, as a rule, 
were early in attendance and comfortably seated be- 
fore the arrival of the officials, the delegation of 
Caughnawaga Indians and other specially invited 
guests. 

It was precisely 10:40 when the guests arrived and 
marched up the church aisle, headed by Mayor 
Thacher. The organist, Mr. Schneider, accompanied 
by Parlati's orchestra, immediately opened with a 
brilliant march from " Le Prophete," by Meyerbeer, 
during which the delegation was seated. 

There were about thirty of the officials, among 
them Mayor Thacher, Senator Parker, Marshal Craven, 
Aldermen Thomas and Fleming, Police Commissioner 
Carroll, and Mr. Scott D. M. Goodwin. Next came 
the visiting Indians who were provided with chairs 
inside the altar railing, on the right of the church. 
The Jackson corps followed, under the command of 
Major Macfarlane, and numbered about fifty in all, 
presenting a fine appearance. They remained standing 
in the middle aisle, coming to a present arms upon 
the entrance of the sanctuary choir and the officiating 
clergy. As the latter marched up the aisle to their 
places on the altar, the sanctuary boys, led by Rev. 
Joseph Lanahan, sang a processional hymn of thanks- 
giving. The Jackson corps then took a position just 

97 



outside the altar railing, and the solemn pontifical high 
mass selected for the occasion was begun. 

Pontifical high mass was sung, Right Rev. Bishop 
Wadhams of Ogdensburg, acting as celebrant, with 
Very Rev. Father Ludden, administrator of the diocese, 
as assistant priest ; Rev. Father Burke, of St. Joseph's, 
and Father Duffy, of East Albany, as deacons of 
honor ; Rev. Father Kennedy, of Syracuse, as deacon, 
Rev. Father Sherry, of Ogdensburg, as sub-deacon, 
and Rev. Fathers Sanderson and Dillon, of St. Mary's, 
as masters of ceremonies. Among the other clergy- 
men who assisted in the services were Fathers Walsh, 
Hanlon, Pidgeon and Byron, of the cathedral ; Father 
Merns, of St. John's ; Fathers Terry and Dolan, of St. 
Ann's ; Father Caesar Cucchiarini, of the Church of 
our Lady of Angels ; Father Toolan, of Sacred Heart 
church ; Father Peyton, of West Albany ; Father 
Sheehan, of West Troy ; Father McDermott, of Johns- 
town, and Father McDonald, of Waterville. The 
sermon was delivered by Father Walworth, who, in 
his usually effective and forcible manner, spoke from 
the following text : 

EVENTFUL PERIODS IN THE HISTORY OF ST. MARY'S. 

" Remember the days of old ; consider all the genera- 
tions. Ask thy father and he will show thee, thy elders and 
they will tell thee." — Deut. xxxii ; 6. 

MoNSiGNOR, Very Rev. and Rev. Fathers, Gentle- 
men OF THE Magistracy, the Common Council and 
Commonalty of Albany, Beloved Brethren of the 
Laity — Two hundred and forty-four years ago was an 
eventful time in the history of Albany, and especially in the 
religious history of Albany. In that year two remarkable 
men clasped friendly hands just outside the gate of old Fort 
Orange. The one was clad in the usual costume of a gen- 

98 



tlemanof the period, the old-fashioned three-cornered cocked 
hat, the ample vest and cut-away coat, trunk hose and sil- 
ver-buckled shoes. The other wore a tattered cassock. His 
face was pale with signs of recent suffering. He had lost 
several fingers which had been bitten off from his hands in 
captivity. He was still a captive and carefully watched by 
his Indian tormentors. The first of these two men was the 
celebrated Dominie Megapolensis, the first minister of the 
Dutch Reformed church in Albany, who had just arrived 
from Holland. The other was that noble martyr of the 
Catholic church, Father Isaac Jogues, a Jesuit missionary 
whom the Indians had brought with then a captive from the 
bloody terrace of Ossernenon. There several of his compan- 
ions lay bathed in their blood, and amongst them a lovely 
Christian saint, first martyr of the mission, the young Rene 
Goupil, Would you like to see the spot where they suffered ? 
It lies in the angle formed by the junction of the Schoharie 
creek with the Mohawk river. You have only to take the 
cars on the West Shore railroad, stop at the station of Au- 
riesville, and mount the hill just behind it. The field was 
bought last year by the society of Jesus. A rude oratory 
stands there now, surmounted by a cross. I trust that be- 
fore long we shall see there a convent and a convent 
church. 

At the time we speak of, the severed fingers of Father 
Jogues lay mingled with its dust. Four years later when he 
returned to the bloody field of his mission the savage Mo- 
hawks took his life also. His head, severed from the body, 
was mounted upon one of the palisades of the Indian fort or 
castle, and made to face northward towards Canada, from 
which he came. His body was thrown into the Mohawk 
and wafted on by the stream towards Albany. We shall 
never find it on earth, but I trust that many of us will see it 
again in the glory of heaven. 

But let us return to the gate of Fort Orange and to the 
door of Dominie Megapolensis, where he and his Jesuit 
friend are clasping hands together and speaking together in 
the Latin tongue. Both were learned men, both were good 
men, and both were friendly one to the other. 

These two clergymen, both Christians, but representing 
beliefs and worships widely dift'ering, both grand forms in the 
history of Albany, came here the same year. The one fol- 
lowed trade hither, the other was brought in bonds. Neither 

99 



staid here long ; the one retired soon to New York city, the 
other retired soon to eternity. But this is the moral to which 
I wish to bring your minds : When those two good men 
joined hands, there was no bigotry in that grasp. There 
was great variance in their faith. Each one held strong 
convictions which neither one would have consented to part 
with even to please the best friend on earth. As they dif- 
fered from each other in these convictions, both could not 
be in all things right. There may have existed prejudice in 
one mind or the other. But adherence to truth is not big- 
otry ; adherence to error is not bigotry ; prejudice is not 
bigotry. Bigotry is something more than a firm judgment or 
a false judgment. It is a dark, gloomy and evil passion in 
the heart, which can find no charity for those who differ with 
us, which can conceive of no good motive in those who op- 
pose us, which is always ready to believe a lie when applied 
to those who do not agree with us. When we see these two 
great and good men clasping hands together, so strongly dif- 
fering in religious convictions, but so full of mutual love and 
sympathy, it is both beautiful and sublime. Let us all lay it 
well to heart. 

It is a pleasant thing to remember that, just forty-four 
years later, as if in return for the charity and hospitality given 
by Albany to this suffering Catholic captive, a Catholic King 
in England and a Catholic Governor of New York gave to 
Albany that happy parchment which made it a chartered 
city. 

EARLY INDIAN MISSIONS ON THE MOHAWK. 

The first French colony was established at Quebec in 
1608. The city of Montreal was at first only a hospital 
founded in the wilderness by the Soeurs Hospitalieres. Its 
stockade was building at the time when Father Jogues and 
his companions were captured near by and brought to the 
Mohawk valley, namely, in the year 1642. That same year, 
as I have already said, its first Dutch minister arrived in 
Albany from Holland. 

Another Catholic missionary. Father Bressani, following 
in the footsteps of Father Jogues, was horribly tortured by 
the same Indians, and passed through Albany in 1644. 
Father Jogues returned with his mutilated fingers to the 
Mohawk in 1646, and was then and there martyred. Father 
Poncet, Father LeMoyne, Fathers Fremin, Bruyas and 

100 



Pierron all passed through Albany on their way to and from 
the Indian castles on the Mohawk, a ground then already 
known as " The Mission of Martyrs." As early as 1667 a 
permanent chapel was established at Tionnontogen, now 
Spraker's Basin, and bore the name of St. Mary's. We find 
another existing at Caughnawaga, that is the sand flats near 
Fonda, called St. Peter's, as early at least as 1669, under the 
care of Father Boniface. Here, in 1676, the holy Indian 
maiden, Tegakwita, was baptized by Father James de Lam- 
berville. In that year and about the same time the famous 
Indian warrior Kryn, " Conqueror of the Mohegans," led 
large band of converts to the new Caughnawaga, already 
established at the great fall near Montreal. That Catholic 
colony exists there still — you see its representatives before 
you. This was an eventful period for the Catholic faith in 
the State of New York, Missions and mission chapels were 
erected among all the five nations of the Iroquois. Numerous 
conversions were made, and, alas, many martyrs suffered, both 
Frenchmen and Indian converts. This glorious period lasted 
from 1642 to 1684. The suppression of the missions was 
brought about, I grieve to say, not so much by the animosity 
of the savages against the faith as by the deadly spirit of covet- 
ous trade. Rehgion has no enemy more powerful or more 
cruel than the lust for money. The Holland Dutch of Albany 
and New York on the one side and the French of Canada 
on the other, struggled together to secure the trade in In- 
dian furs, and the work of the missionaries who sought to 
secure souls for God was crushed between the two. And I 
am, furthermore, sorry to say that a Catholic Governor of 
New York and a Catholic Governor in Canada were the 
principal agents in this unholy work of destruction. There 
are Catholics in our day, greedy tradesmen, or ambitious 
politicians, equally unworthy of the name they bear, engaged 
in work as unholy, and as mischievous to their religion. 
They might learn a lesson by studying that weakly Christian- 
ity which flickered in the souls of Dongan and DeNonville. 
Few know the large numbers of Indian converts brought 
into the faith and of martyrs dying for the faith during this 
eventful period. However, let it be distinctly understood 
and well remembered that the work of these missionaries 
did not perish. Let those who think so visit the present 
Indian reservation at Caughnawaga, about twenty miles from 
Montreal. There a population of thirteen hundred, all 

lOI 



Catholic Indians, mostly of Mohawk blood, still reside, and 
attend mass at their ancient Catholic church. Some of them 
you see here to-day. The priest who is their chaplain occu- 
pies the same apartments once occupied by Charlevoix, the 
historian of New France, who lived at that early period and 
was companion to some that we have named. Other villages 
of the same character are also found in Canada. Does this 
look like wasted work ? 

INCORPORATION OF ST. MARY'S. 

Let us now pass over a period of one more century. In 
1684, Father Jean de Lamberville, the last of that devoted 
band of Catholic missionaries, whose fruitful labor among 
the Indian tribes of New York we have so briefly catalogued, 
departed for Canada amidst the regrets and lamentations of 
the Onondaga chiefs who escorted him in safety to their 
borders. It was French treachery that made his departure 
necessary, but the Onondaga sages know that the good man 
had no share in it. In 1784 no trace was left of the rude 
chapels which had been erected among the Indians of New 
York, in the previous century. There were Catholics among 
the inhabitants of Albany, but without a church. Now and 
then the occasional visit of a priest enabled them to kneel at 
the holy sacrifice, celebrated in its simplest form in some 
private dweUing-house. Their increasing numbers soon 
made it necessary to erect a church and have a permanent 
priest. In 1796 a meeting of these was held in the house of 
James Robichaud and the Catholics of Albany were formally 
incorporated into a parish, as still appears by the records in 
the ofiice of our County Clerk. The children of these 
founders may still be pointed out among the worshippers of 
St. Mary's and the other churches of Albany. In 1 796 the 
corner-stone of a church was laid, and in 1797 the building 
was completed. The old inscription stones commemorating 
these events are still preserved in the walls of this present 
edifice, and the inscriptions are as legible as ever. The red 
seed, which fell upon the soil of Albany from the mutilated 
fingers of Father Jogues, sprouted again one hundred and 
fifty years later, and this parish of St. Mary's still remains 
the earliest tree. Here still it stands, the central point of a 
stately grove, which extends over the whole country formerly 
covered by the Iroquois lodges and the camps of their hunt- 
ing grounds. Long may that noble old tree flourish, its 

102 



branches far extended and its trunks deep rooted in the soil! 
Long may her people gather to worship at this shrine, 
earnest in their faith, devout in their worship, abounding in 
good works, gentle in their bearing towards all, but never 
tame to surrender that glory, which belongs to their God. 

ST, Mary's a cathedral. 
Another leap of fifty years brings us to another memorable 
period. In 1846 Albany was erected into an Episcopal See. 
St. Mary's became a cathedral church, presided over by the 
Rt. Rev. John McCloskey, afterwards known as Cardinal 
McCloskey, the first ecclesiastic raised to that dignity on this 
continent. Tokens of that cathedral building and of Cardi- 
nal McCloskey's ministrations in it may still be seen in the 
basement chapel, underneath this floor. There is the same 
altar at which he officiated, with its altar stone, the same 
tabernacle, the same candlesticks, the same chancel rails. 
The floor of the sanctuary is also the same, and the old Sta- 
tions of the Cross so familiar to his eyes still hang about the 
walls. We have here present a witness to all this in the be- 
loved and venerable prelate who officiates this morning. 
You know him well. He was your pastor in the days I speak 
of. It is but a little while ago that the good Cardinal de- 
parted to his reward. Requiescat in pace. 

THE PRESENT ST. MARY's. 

A shorter transit now brings us to a period in the history 
of St. Mary's crowded with memorable events of which we 
are nearly all of us witnesses. In the spring of the year 1867, 
an arduous task became necessary and was begun. The 
second St. Mary's, erected in 1828, a building prematurely 
old and ready to fall, was taken down and the building of 
this present church commenced. The charge of superin- 
tending this arduous task fell upon a man who was also 
broken by labors and prematurely old. Only one thing 
could make his hard task possible, and that was the love, the 
confidence and the generosity of St. Mary's congregation. 
If this new and last church has been completed, or nearly 
so, it is because that love, that confidence, and that gene- 
rosity has never failed. Glad am I on an occasion so mem- 
orable as this, in the presence of so many strangers, assem- 
bled in dear old St. Mary's, to offer this tribute to you, my 
dear brethren, who have stood by me during the past twenty 
years so faithful and so strong. 

103 



CONCLUSION. 

And now let me be silent and let this present spectacle 
speak. What is it we see before us to-day ? What does this 
temple say ? What voices come to us from its pillars and 
its arches, from its organ and its altar, and from this unusual 
concourse of worshippers ? Here are chiefs and braves and 
women representatives of the Kanienga-haka, and other 
Iroquois who once peopled these valleys and hills which to- 
day we occupy. Although now Christians and Catholics, 
they may be taken to represent that heathenism, and darkness 
of superstition which once reigned here. But now they are 
one with us, in the same holy faith, and the same great 
hopes for eternity. They have among them those who 
know how to chant the same solemn canticles of the 
church in honor of the same Lord and Savior. Welcome, 
dear brothers of the Konochioni ! Your fathers were 
once our most dangerous foes. We hail you now as among 
our dearest friends ! Welcome to our city, welcome to our 
church. That faithful martyr, Isaac Jogues, is father to 
you and father to us. Young Rene Goupil, whose un- 
discovered body still lies in the bed of the torrent at the foot 
of the hill of Ossernenon, is brother to us all, and Catherine 
Tegakwita, the sweet Lilly of the Mohawks, is our little 
sister. 

What unaccustomed faces are these that occupy this 
morning so many of our front pews. They are something 
more than fellow-citizens. They are the civil authorities of 
our city. They have come here on this Bi-centennial Sun- 
day to recognize God and honor rehgion. They have come 
here expressly and publicly to acknowledge that all authority 
upon earth rests upon the higher authority of heaven, and 
that Albany, ancient Albany, is a religious and a Christian 
city. They, too, are heartily welcome. And who are these 
that we have seen standing in our midst in military attire, 
with their arms in their hands, and helmeted like soldiers 
ready for action ? They, together with the chiefs and pa- 
trolmen of the police, represent law, order and obedience to 
duty ; and that the truest love of country is that which has 
its source in the love of God. They, too, are Avelcome. 
And now let us turn our thoughts directly to the altar. It 
represents to us the authority of God, the claims of God, 
God's protection, God's love, God's mercy, the foundation 
of all our hopes in God. O may the dear Son of God, who 

104 



shed His blood for us upon the cross, give His blessing now 
to our beloved country ; to the State of New York, to the 
city of Albany, to the parish of St. Mary's : inflame our 
hearts with the deepest gratitude for His past favors and with 
well-founded hopes of His future protection and of final sal- 
vation. 

THE MUSICAL PROGRAMME. 

A magnificent ^musical programme was rendered 
during the service by the choir of the church, under 
the direction of Prof. Peter Schneider, assisted by 
Parlati's orchestra. The choir consists of sixty voices, 
and the manner in which they rendered the difficult 
music selected for the occasion reflected great credit 
not only upon them, but upon their conductor, Mr. 
John Cassidy, and Prof. Schneider. The solo parts 
were excellently sung by Mrs. Peter Schneider and 
Miss Josephine Lyons, sopranos ; Miss Jennie T. 
Gilligan, alto ; Mr. J. T. V. McCrone, tenor, and Mr. 
John J. Cassidy, basso. At the offertory Hummel's 
grand "Alma Virgo," soprano obligato and chorus, 
was rendered with excellent effect. 

The Jackson corps, during the ceremony, went 
through appropriate evolutions. At the reading of 
the gospel they presented arms, as they did also at 
the entrance of Father Walworth and the prayer for 
inspiration. After the reading of the text they gave 
the military salute, and during the reading of the Te 
Deum the corps uncovered their heads. The only 
time they were seated was during the sermon, when 
arms were stacked. They saluted also at the elevation 
of the host, when the rolling of the drum and sound of 
the cornet, blending with the strains of the organ, 
produced a most stirring effect. 

105 



At the conclusion of the mass Father Walworth 
announced that the Te Deum would be sung in Eng- 
lish, in thanksgiving for the blessing bestowed on the 
city during its 200 years of existence. The grand old 
hymn sung by the entire multitude rang through the 
building in loudest tones, led by the organ and or- 
chestra. 



MADISON AVENUE REFORMED CHURCH. 
The union services of the Reformed churches of the 
city, at the Madison avenue church, were not the least 
notable feature of the opening day. This denomination 
is the oldest in the city, and the first congregation 
dates its history to a period almost half a century before 
Albany became a chartered city. For this reason a 
special interest attached to those services which be- 
longed to none of the others. As early as nine 
o'clock the audience began to assemble, and shortly 
thereafter the Hollanders marched to the church in a 
body. By the time the opening anthem was sung, 
the church was crowded to the doors, and even the 
Sunday school and prayer-meeting rooms were occu- 
pied. The church was tastily and appropriately decor- 
ated. Flags were wound from the gallery and choir 
loft, and the pulpit and chancel were banked up with 
potted plants. There was also a liberal display of cut 
flowers. One magnificent floral emblem was a minia- 
ture of the old Dutch church which stood on the cor- 
ner of State, Market and Court streets a century ago. 
In honor of the occasion an old office in the church 
was revived, that of voorleser, which was filled by Elder 
Stephen McC. La Grange. Standing at the voorleser's 

106 



desk, an ancient piece of church furniture brought 
from Holland when the city was young, he read the 
commandments. The pastors of the three Reformed 
churches were present and in turn conducted the 
order of services — the Rev. VV, R. Davis, D.D., the 
Rev. J. Wilbur Chapman and the Rev. Joseph Paige 
Davis. A most notable feature of the services was 
the music under the direction of Prof. E. A. Bedell, 
organist. The number which attracted most at- 
tention was Bishop Doane's hymn, with music by 
Prof. Jeffery, "Ancient of Days," which was magnifi- 
cently rendered. Beautiful programmes, contain- 
ing illustrations of the seal of the Dongan charter and 
of the old church before alluded to, were distributed. 
The sermon was by the Rev. David D. Demorest, of 
New Brunswick, N. J., and was as follows : 

"And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord, and 
great shall be the peace of thy children. In righteousness 
shalt thou be established ; thou shalt be far from oppression 
— for thou shalt not fear ; and from terror, for it shall not 
come near thee." — Isaiah, liv; 13, 14. 

It augurs well for the successful carrying out of the pro- 
gramme for the week that the devout recognition of God 
has been placed at the front. What could be more appro- 
priate than that the citizens of Albany should, on this first 
day of the week, the Lord's day preceding the days to be 
occupied with various exercises and festivities, assemble in 
their respective houses of worship, to call to mind with 
thankfulness God's goodness to their fathers and to acknowl- 
edge the good hand of the Lord, whereby from the feeble 
beginnings of two and a half centuries ago their city has 
reached its present proud position as the capital of the Em- 
pire State and a city known throughout the civihzed world. 
The beginnings of the settlement at Fort Orange were small 
indeed. How small we can scarcely conceive, when we 
survey your city as it now is and contemplate the number of 
its inhabitants, its imposing buildings, its commercial im- 

107 



portance, its educational institutions, its wealth, its social 
character, and in short, all the elements that make a pros- 
perous city, and one to be desired for a home. You may- 
well be excused for claiming with Paul that you are citizens 
of " no mean city." This service is especially appropriate 
when we consider that the tendency has always been, and it 
has never been stronger than it is to-day, to lose sight of the 
First Great Cause while contemplating the confessedly im- 
portant, manifest second causes, and so we give all the honor 
to the latter and none to the former. We attribute the 
founding and the growth of cities and states to the wise use 
men of genius, foresight and energy have made of circum- 
stances ; and for all material prosperity, intellectual elevation 
and progress in civilization give glory to the marvelous pow- 
ers of which man is possessed. We stand, as we well may, 
amazed and overwhelmed in presence of man's wonderful 
successes in discovering and applying and subjecting to his 
own will the forces of nature, and in so training the powers 
of his mind as to make them more and more capable of higher 
achievement. Ere we are aware we find ourselves otfering 
to the human intellect the incense of devotion which belongs 
to the Father of Spirits only. We courteously leave a little 
corner of the vast field of human experience and action for 
the occupancy of supernatural forces, if indeed there be such, 
to which they may retire who take an interest in such mat- 
ters, and where speculative, devout, unworldly people may 
find amusement and, perchance, comfort. A few are bold 
enough to invade even that little territory and to take God 
out of that limited domain. They treat the question of the 
existence of the Supreme Being scientifically as they do man, 
beast, insect, steam or electricity. They put into their cru- 
cible him who holds the universe in the hollow of his hand, 
and in the last analysis find nothing — no God. 

THE RELIGIOUS ELEMENT ACKNOWLEDGED. 

Now the fact that you have invited a minister of religion 
to come to you, to gather up and to interpret the lessons of 
the past, and to help you to see, and to appreciate the po- 
tent and extensive influence of religion and of the church of 
God in the founding and building up of your city, shows 
that you have no sympathy with the holders of this atheistic 
principle. And besides, for confirmation of this, we need 
only look at your scores of temples devoted to the worship 

1 08 



of the true and living God, and to mark the crowds that on 
every returning holy day throng their portals, and to the re- 
ligious organizations and institutions which proclaim the 
universal recognition of the God in whom we believe and 
move and have our being. While, therefore, some men 
may think that cities and states can be founded and made 
prosperous and mighty without God, you do not think so, 
and we cannot think so. The experiment has been fairly 
tried. History is full of examples of its failure. God has 
always seen to it, and he always will see to it, that such efforts 
come to naught. " For the nation and kingdom that will 
not serve Thee shall perish." " Righteousness exalteth a na- 
tion." God was devoutly recognized by Columbus in his 
first act, after he had planted his feet on the soil of San Sal- 
vador. " He, with his company, gave thanks to God kneel- 
ing upon the shore, and kissing the ground with tears of joy 
for the great mercy received." We also find the religious 
element connected with the founding of all the colonies. It 
was a most important factor in all movements and measures 
connected with their early history. It pervaded and to a 
large extent dominated them. We always find provision for 
the maintenance of worship and a reverent observance of the 
forms and ordinances of religion, and it is remarkable how 
much of the early colonial legislation was occupied with these 
things. Yet we ought not to wonder at this when we call to 
mind the close alliance of church and state in Europe, they 
being parts of one organism, so that it was a matter of course 
that care for religion could not here be separated from care 
for civil affairs. The forms of religion were various, accord- 
ing to nationality, predilection or the ecclesiastical relations 
that had been held by the respective colonists in such parts 
of the old world as they had left for the new. We find the 
Roman Catholic bringing his form of religion with him to 
Maryland ; the Episcopalian, his to Virginia ; the Quaker, 
his to Pennsylvania and New Jersey ; the Puritan, his to 
New England ; the Scotch Presbyterian, his to New Jersey 
and Pennsylvania ; the Netherland Reformed, his to New 
Netherland. Every one of these has left a marked and in- 
delible impression on his respective State. It was the Re- 
formed church of the Netherlands that furnished tlie men 
and women who came to occupy the ground on which your 
city stands, that provided them with the ordinances of reli- 
gion and with men to administer them, and with the system 

109 



of instruction and training enjoyed in the fatherland. Now, 
if the rehgious element brought hither was a decided advan- 
tage to the infant colony, to this Reformed church the credit 
for it under God belongs. If it was a hindrance this same 
church must bear the blame. 

THE REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH IN THE OLDEN TIME. 

It is not my purpose to give you, in this discourse, in 
chronological order, a narrative of the facts connected with 
the early settlement of Albany and its history antedating the 
charter. This will be done by other hands, and happily, 
through the painstaking researches of your citizens, and 
especially of the late Mr. Munsell, the materials are abun- 
dant and at hand. My object is rather to trace the religious 
influences which were at work from the very beginning and 
which wrought without observation, yet most potently, and 
to refer to historical facts only so far as they may serve for the 
illustration of my theme. Let us then, in imagination, go 
back to-day, 200 years to 1686, the year in which you re- 
ceived your charter as a city. It is the morning of the 
Lord's day and we attend public worship in the little church 
standing at the intersection af Yonkers and Handelaers 
streets (State and Market), and are edified by the ministra- 
tions of the Rev. Godfredius Dellius, who had taken charge 
of the church in 1683, as the associate of the superannuated 
Dom. Gideon Schaets, who had served the church for thirty 
years, assisted for a time by Dom. Nieuenhuysen. Its first 
pastor was the Rev. Johannes Megapolensis, who came in 
1642, in fulfillment of a contract made with the patroon Van 
Rensselaer, and remained six years, when he removed to 
New Amsterdam where he continued in the discharge of the 
pastoral office twenty years, being in charge at the time of the 
surrender to the British in 1664. The church building of 
which we speak was the second one occupied by the con- 
gregation. The first one was a temporary wooden structure, 
in which Dom. Megapolensis, after having held services in 
his parsonage for three or four years, gathered his congrega- 
tion. "It stood near the fort, in what is now called Church 
street. It was a plain, wooden building, 34 feet long by 19 
wide, furnished with a pulpit ornamented with a canopy, 
pews for the magistrates and church officers and nine 
benches for the people. In this simple structure the congre- 
gation worshipped 13 years." The second building was also 

no 



of wood, was erected in 1656, and the pulpit and bell for it 
were imported from Holland. The third edifice was of 
stone, and was erected in 17 15, and was built around and 
over the ancient wooden one the service being interrupted 
but two Sabbaths. In 1797 the north church was erected, 
but services were continued in the old stone church at the 
foot of State street until 1806, when it was taken down and 
replaced by the south Dutch church, which was built on the 
cemetery lot on beaver street, much of the material of the 
old building being used in this structure, which was dedicated 
to the worship of Almighty God in 18 10. Thus there were 
two church buildings, two assemblies for worship, two pas- 
tors, but only one consistory or church organization until, in 
18 1 5, a division was effected, and a part of the consistory 
and also of the property was assigned to the South or Second 
church, and the Rev. Dr. John M. Bradford became sole 
pastor of the church in North Pearl street, and Rev. Dr. 
John De Witt the pastor of the church in Beaver street. In 
1834, thirty members from the Beaver street church were 
dismissed to form the South Dutch church in Ferry street. 
The Holland and German churches were organized in 1855. 
A charter of incorporation was obtained in 1720, about the 
time of the occupancy of the third, or stone edifice. We 
attend public worship in the Dutch church on the Lord's day 
in 1686, not because we are absolutely necessitated to do so, 
for there is a little Lutheran church which had been estab- 
lished a few years before this time. But the Dutch church 
is the church of the place. It is attended by the chief people 
and the vast majority of the inhabitants. It has had the 
field entirely to itself for nearly two generations, having had 
in the earlier part of the time doubtless the ministrations of 
Voorleser and Krank-besoecker and subsequently of a suc- 
cession of able and learned ministers of the word. It had 
gathered in during that period such persons as had come 
from Old England or New England to make their home 
here. It was virtually the one church to which Providence 
entrusted the religious training of this infant community until 
it became a city and for years after that. Was this church 
worthy of so important a trust ? Was the trust fulfilled ? 
We know how important is the very early training of the 
child ? Is the training of the infant city or state less im- 
portant ? We thus come to the specific inquiry, what influ- 
ence had this Reformed church of the Netherlands in the 



III 



molding of this community ? The only satisfactory way of 
obtaining an answer to this question is by considering the 
antecedents and characteristics of this church, the results to 
be expected and the results actually seen. We consider : 

I. THE PREPARED MATERIALS. 

I refer to the men and women who came hither to make 
this place their home. They came from a remarkable train- 
ing school, and not a little of their training had they received 
in the bosom of this Reformed church. That same church 
they brought with them so that their children and children's 
children, and all who should cast in their lot with them, 
might also be trained in it. Let us then go back to the 
fatherland and inquire whether she had there proved herself 
worthy of being intrusted with important work and interests 
here. When the first Dutchman came to Fort Orange about 
a century had passed since the first rays of evangelical truth 
had begun to penetrate the papal darkness of the Nether- 
lands. But in no country of Europe were the doctrines of 
the Reformations received more promptly, generally and 
joyfully, and in none were greater sacrifices made for their 
maintenances. The persecutions of the " churches under 
the cross " are unparalled in history Thousands gave up 
possessions, country and life for the sake of the word of 
God, scriptural worship and liberty to serve God as con- 
science might dictate. The contest with the Spaniard in 
this afiflicted country was alike for civil and religious liberty, 
and nobly and heroically was it maintained for eighty years. 
But out of it came the Dutch republic, the leading commer- 
cial nation of Europe, the home of the oppressed, the seat 
of learning, the mistress of the seas, and also the Reformed 
church of the Netherlands, with her learned divines, sound 
doctrines, orderly worship, representative government and 
tolerent, catholic and missionary spirit. 

THE TRAINING SCHOOL. 

Now, these almost one hundred years were years that tried 
men's souls. They constituted a protracted, continuous 
school of discipline for three generations of people, and such 
as no other people have ever been placed in who yet survived 
and even triumphed. Their neighbors, the Huguenots, suf- 
fered as they did, but their oppressors were in power in their 
own land, and they triumphed. But here men were born in 



112 



the midst of the conflict, they died while it was going on, 
and they beqeathed the fight to their children. Through 
the firmness and perseverence of successive generations peace 
and prosperity came at last. Where, in this wide world, 
could a training school like this have been found at that 
time for men and women who were to be intrusted with the 
founding of a State or city in this western world ? We can 
never cease to abhor and to execrate the infamous tyranny 
of Spain ; but what if she had taken a different course and 
had readily allowed to her Dutch subjects the liberty they 
had to fight for ? Who can tell what the result would have 
been ? Would the Dutchmen of the opening years of the 
seventeenth century have been what they were ? Would 
they have had the faith, the firmness, the enterprise, the sim- 
plicity, the frugality, the energy and the tolerant spirit which 
they now possessed ? Would they, in a word, have been so 
well quahfied to be the pioneers in the founding of a new 
state ? Did not God use the wrath and folly of Spain for 
the good of America, for the good of New Netherland, for 
the good of Albany ? " They," says Dr. Storrs, " brought 
the patience, the enterprise and the courage, the indomitable 
spirit and the hatrid of tyranny into which they had been 
born, into which their nation had been baptized with blood." 
Would it not have been a pity if they had missed their severe 
training ? And they came not as men who were escaping 
from raging fires and seeking for safety and rest, but after 
these fires had been put out, and peace and prosperity filled 
the land, and their homes were undisturbed, and yet before 
prosperity had bred the enervating influences which always 
in time spring from it. They came of their own accord, 
simply to advance their temporal interests, but they could 
only care for these interests in accordance with the character 
that had been formed by the experiences of the century. 
They came as acknowledged freemen, bringing the virtues 
into which they had been disciplined, and also the church 
which had been to them and their fathers so tender a nurse, 
so true a mentor and so efificient an educator. 

THE WALLOONS. 

While we thus speak of the early Dutch colonists and 
their training, we must not forget the French element con- 
nected with them, and which was of great value. The first 

113 



company that came in 1623, with Capt. Cornelius Jacobson 
May, to make an agricultural settlement in New Netherland, 
was composed of thirty families, chiefly Walloons ; and of 
this company eighteen famihes were brought to Fort Orange. 
The Walloons were the Protestants of the Southern Nether- 
lands, or Belgium, who, driven by prosecution across the 
border, made their homes in Northern Netherlands, and 
formed churches in which their native French was used. 
The Huguenots came from the northeastern provinces of 
France and joined their Walloon brethren in Holland. 
Many of these who had been domiciled in Holland came 
to New Netherland. Agreeing with the Dutch in doctrine, 
church polity and ritual and being familiar with their lan- 
guage, they identified themselves with them. While in a 
few places, as Staten Island, New Paltz and Hackensack in 
New Jersey, they maintained worship in their own tongue 
for a time, in New York alone they were able to maintain it 
permanently. The French Protestants were as true and 
loyal members of the Reformed Dutch churches as were 
the native Hollanders themselves. Almost every church 
had more or less of them. They were more refined, grace- 
ful, versatile and vivacious than the Dutch, and what they 
brought of national characteristics and peculiar culture was 
so much added to the very solid material furnished by the 
Dutch, " Their influence has been compared to the gold 
which some one cast into the mould filled with the melted 
metals which were to compose the great bell of Moscow — 
the gold was not much in quantity, but it gave to the great 
bell a fineness of tone and a melodious ring it would not 
have possessed without it." 

THE WIVES AND MOTHERS. 

I must not leave this part of my subject without speaking 
of the wives and mothers who came hither, having been 
trained in the same school with their husbands. Who can 
tell how much Albany owes to these wives and mothers ? 
The Dutch husband treated his wife with what one has 
called " respectful adoration." He did not often " com- 
mence any undertaking, whether public or private, without 
first consulting the partner of his cares ; and it is even said 
that some of the statesmen most distinguished for their 
influence in the affairs of their own country and Europe in 
general were accustomed to receive instructions at home to 

114 



which they ventured not to go counter. But the diminion 
of these lordly dames, all dispotic though it were, was ever 
exerted for the benefit of those who obeyed. It was the 
earnest and undaunted si)irit of their women which encour- 
aged the Dutch to dare, and their calm fortitude to endure 
the toils, privations and sufterings of the first years of the 
war of independence against Spain ; it was their activity and 
terift in the management of their private incomes that sup- 
phed them with the means of defraying an amount of na- 
tional expenditure wholly unexampled in history ; and to 
their influence is to be ascribed, above all, the decorum of 
manners and the purity of morals, for which the society of 
Holland has at all times been remarkable." (Davie's Hol- 
land and the Dutch, vol. 3, p. 381.) Broadhead says: 
" The empire which the sex obtained was no greater than 
that which their beauty, good sense, virtue and devotion well 
entitled them to hold. They mingled in all the active aftairs 
of life and were always consulted with deferential respect. 
Their habits of business enabled them to manage with skill 
and advantage the interests which their husbands confidently 
entrusted to their care. They loved their homes and their 
firesides, but they loved their country more. Through all 
their toils and struggles, the calm fortitude of the men of 
Holland was nobly encouraged and sustained by the earnest 
and undaunted spirit of their mothers and wives." (History 
of New York, vol. I, p. 263.) 

11. THE SYSTEM OF DOCTRINE. 

The system brought hither by the colonists was that in 
which they had been trained from childhood, and which 
they were teaching to their cliildren, the system whose cor- 
ner-stone is the doctrine of God's sovereignty in grace as 
well as in nature and i)rovidence, called Calvinism, not be- 
cause Calvin originated it, but because he most successfully 
formulated it and put upon it the impress of his masterly 
genuis. It is a system just as far removed from fatalism 
on the one hand as from sentimentalism on the other. It 
is not in place to-day, even if we had the time to expound 
this system, nor to give the proofs of its scripturalness, nor 
to answer the objections brought against it. And yet I may 
be allowed to suggest that it is possible that some who de- 
nounce it may not understand it as well as they might, that 
a caricature is a very different thing from a true likeness, 

115 



and that the study of the carefully and beautifully-expressed 
articles of the synod of Dort on the tive controverted heads 
of doctrine will well repay every thinking man, even though 
he should decline to accept them. But this we are bold to 
affirm, that it is a system which has produced many of the 
world's most profound thinkers and most glorious heroes, 
that it has developed all the manly virtues and made sturdy 
Christians and sturdy citizens, and produced the stuff of 
which not only martyrs to the faith are made, but also incor- 
ruptible magistrates, and people who can be neither bought 
nor sold. Surely we need not, in the hght of history, be 
ashamed of the doctrine taught in the articles of the church 
of England, the canons of Dort, and the confession of West- 
minister, anei which lie at the foundation of the New Eng- 
land commonwealth, and of this Empire State. How could 
it be otherwise, since the whole tendency of the system is to 
exalt God, and man is lifted up toward God, when God is 
exalted in his conceptions. When God is brought down, 
man sinks so much the lower. Would we then have true 
manliness and the highest type of civic virtue, let us have 
the highest possible conceptions of God, and let them Avith- 
out hindrance shape our lives. The tree is known by its 
fruit. Be not afraid to test a doctrinal system by its prac- 
tical effects. " It is enough," says Froude, " to mention the 
name of William the Silent, of Luther — for on the points 
of which I am speaking Luther was one with Calvin — of 
your own Knox and Andrew Mellville, and the Regent 
Murray, of Coligny, of our English Cromwell, of Milton, 
of John Bunyan. These were men possessed of all the qual- 
ities which give nobility and grandeur to human nature ; 
men whose life was as upright as their intellect was com- 
manding, and their public aims untainted with selfishness ; 
unalterably just where duty required them to be stern, but 
with the tenderness of a woman in their hearts ; frank, true, 
cheerful, humorous, as unlike sour fanatics as it is possible 
to imagine any one, and able in some way to sound the 
key-note to which every brave and faithful heart in Europe 
instinctively vibrated." (Froude's Calvinism, p. 7.) A prom- 
inent writer of the Methodist Episcopal church has said of 
Calvinism : " It is the clearest and most comprehensive sys- 
tem of doctrine ever formed. * * * We concede to the 
Calvinistic churches the honor of having all along directed 
the best religious thinking of the country. Some of the best 

116 



fruits of religious life and the noblest specimens of the Chris- 
tian character have been exhibited among those who have 
been, at least in theory, Calvinists." This faith was alike 
the inspirer and the bulwark of civic and religious liberty. 
" We may," says our great historian, George Bancroft, " as 
republicans remember that Calvin was not only the founder 
of a sect, but foremost among the most efficient of modern 
republican legislators. More truly benevolent to the human 
race than Solon, more self-denying than Lycurgus, the genus 
of Calvin infused enduring elements into the institutions of 
Geneva and made it for the moral world the impregnable 
fortress of popular liberty, the fertile seed-plot of democracy 
* * *. Alone in the world, alone in a strange land, he 
went forward in his career with serene resignation and inflex- 
ible firmness. No love of ease turned him aside from his 
vigils ; no fear of danger relaxed the nerve of his eloquence ; 
no bodily infirmities checked the immediate activity of his 
mind ; and so he continued year after year, solitary and 
feeble, yet toiling for humanity, till after a life of glory, he 
bequeathed to his personal heirs a fortune in books and fur- 
niture, stocks and money not exceeding $200, and to the 
world a purer reformation, a republican spirit in religion, 
with the kindred principles of repubUcan liberty." (Ban- 
croft's miscellanies, p. 406.) The fathers of Albany were 
disciples of Calvin. 

III. THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM. 

The Dutch of the i6th and 17th centuries appreciated the 
incalculable importance of the education, both religious and 
secular, of the young, and they made the wisest and fullest 
provision for it in their power. Their universities founded 
for the training of young men in the classics, philosophy, 
jurisprudence, medicine and theology soon became famous, 
but provision was also made for popular, universal education 
in the fundamentals of religion and also in the primary 
branches of secular studies. Count John of Nassau, the 
elder brother of William the Silent, said : " You must urge 
upon the states general that they should establish free schools 
where children of quality as well as of poor families for a 
small sum could be well and christianly educated and brought 
up. This would be the greatest and most useful work you 
could ever accomplish for God and Christianity, for tl^e 
Netherlands themselves." (Cent, discourses, p. 209.) Thus 

117 



we see that our free, public school system, of which we justly 
boast, and for which we proudly claim an American origin, 
was in its germ and essential features anticipated by the 
Dutch in the Netherlands three centuries ago. " The New 
England pilgrims," says Motley, " during their residence in 
the glorious country of Holland found already established 
the system of free schools which John of Nassau had recom- 
mended." (Letter to St. Nicholas society, 1869.) The 
church took her share in this matter of education and 
worked in harmonious co-operation with the State. While 
the schools were provided and supported by the state, and 
the children were taught the ordinary branches of secular 
education, the church saw to it that in their schools the 
truths of religion were taught. The schoolmaster was 
usually also the voorleser who performed certain parts 
of the .service in the Church on the Lord's day, and, of 
course, was required to be a member of the church. He 
was by no means an unimportant person in a Dutch com- 
munity, and was amenable to church and state for the per- 
formance of his duties. We may add that the state was not 
inditferent to the religious education, and that the church 
was quite as deeply concerned for the secular education as 
was the state. Says Brodhead : " Neither the perils of war, 
nor the busy pursuits of gain, nor the excitement of political 
strife ever caused the Dutch to neglect the duty of educating 
their offsprings to enjoy the freedom for which their fathers 
had fought. Schools were everywhere provided at the pub- 
lic expense, with good schoolmasters to instruct the children 
of all classes in the usual branches of education ; and the 
consistories of the churches took zealous care to have their 
youth thoroughly taught the catechism and the articles of 
religion." (History of New York, vol. I, p. 462.) If any 
one will take the pains to examine the acts of the early synods 
of the churches of the Netherlands, beginning with that of 
Wesel in 1568, he will find that by every one of them great 
stress was laid upon the religious education of the children 
and the youth. The baptismal dedication of the infant was 
accompanied with the explicit and solemn promise that it 
should be instructed in the truths of the Christian religion. 
The method of religious training established by the synod of 
Dort in i6t8 cannot but excite admiration for its complete- 
ness. That august body of learned divines did not consider 
it beneath them to formally adopt a primary catechism for 

118 



the use of the youngest children, also to provide the " com- 
pendium for the instruction of candidates Ibr the Lord's 
supper " and to enjoin the use of the Heidelberg catechism 
in teaching more advanced pupils and for regular exposi- 
tion from the pulpit to the congregation on the Lord's day. 
The agencies for carrying out this method were threefold, 
and the church was to see to it that every one performed his 
work. I . Parents : They were to be enquired of in the 
pastorial visitations whether they faithfully and diligently 
instructed their children and households in the Christian 
religion ; whether they maintained family worship ; whether 
they placed their children under the preaching of God's 
word, and earnestly and carefully exhorted them to the cul- 
tivation of true piety. Parents who were negligent were to 
be admonished by the minister and, if necessary, censured 
by the consistory. 2. Schoolmasters: They were required to 
be of upright and pious life, to subscribe to the confession 
of faith and the Heidelberg catechism ; to teach and care- 
fully expound the catechism twice a week ; to bring their 
pupils to the hearing of God's word preached and to examine 
them on the matter of the sermons heard by them. 3. Min- 
isters and Elders : These were to visit the schools, to counsel, 
encourage, and, if necessary, admonish the teachers and to 
examine the children. The ministers were to expound the 
catechism from the pulpit in short sermons, suited for chil- 
dren as well as adults. We cannot but see that as a result of 
this system faithfully carried out it was next to impossible for 
a child to grow up in Holland ignorant of the ordinary ele- 
mentary branches of a secular education. Scarcely could 
one be found unable to read, or to sign his name to a docu- 
ment, or to work out a problem in simple arithmetic. And 
as to religious education we cannot well see how any one 
could escape an indoctrination that qualified them to under- 
stand the sermons of their preachers, to argue with them on 
disputed points, and to fill the office of elders, whose duty it 
is " particularly to have regard unto the doctrine and con- 
versation of the ministers of the word," and to see to it, that 
"no strange doctrine be taught." No other country in the 
world could at that time show such a general diffusion of 
secular and religious education among the whole people as 
was found in Holland. The emigrants who came hither 
had not only the benefits of that system, but they brought 
it with them and established it here, so far as was possible 

119 



under different circumstances. The West India company 
was pledged to maintain it. The church and school worked to- 
gether in this matter. The church inquired into the fidelity of 
parents, schoolmasters were here required to perform the same 
service that schoolmasters were performing in the fatherland, 
ministers and elders made their visitations and had their 
catechetical classes. Think you that this was a detriment to 
the infant community here ? Situated as we now are, with 
state and church completely divorced, with heterogeneous 
religious elements in every community, we encounter serious 
problems in this work of education, and which are very diffi- 
cult of solution. But can we fail to see that an indissoluble 
marriage tie, binding together the religious and secular, is 
the desirable ideal, which, alas ! it seems impossible for us 
now fully to realize. Let us be thankful that our fathers 
had it. It has been thought by some that the tendency of 
this system of catechetical instruction was to fill the church 
with orthodox formalists, since persons were received to the 
communion who could recite the catechism, while vital and 
experimental religion was lost sight of Let me correct this 
by quoting from the acts of the synod of Dort, as follows : 
" Those who desire to unite with the church shall, three or 
four weeks before the administration of the Lord's supper, 
be more carefully and frequently instructed that they may 
be better qualified and be more free to give a satisfactory 
account of their faith. The ministers shall employ diligent 
care to ascertain those who give any hopeful evidence of 
serious concern for the salvation of their soul and invite them 
to them, assembling those together who have like impres- 
sions and encouraging to friendly intercourse and free con- 
versation to each other. These meetings shall commence 
with appropriate prayer and exhortations. If all this shall 
be done by the ministers with that cordiality, faithfulness, 
zeal and discretion that become those who must give an 
account of the flock committed to their charge, it is not to 
be doubted that in a short time abundant fruit of their labors 
shall be found in growth in religious knowledge and holiness 
of life, to the glory of God and the prosperity to the church 
of Christ." Could anything be more admirable ? Have 
we, by our modern methods of gathering people into the 
church, improved on that singularly complete, safe and effi- 
cient system ? Like every other system it was hable to abuse 
by careless and unfaithful ministers, but by means of it defi- 



I20 



nite knowledge of fundamental truths at least was secured, 
and of it the learner could not be dispossessed. 

IV. REVERENCE FOR THE EXTERNALS OF WORSHIP. 

The habits of the people in regard to public worship have a 
great forming influence on a new community, as well as a con- 
serving influence on one established. In all new settlements 
in the West this is well understood by the most godless people. 
It was a happy thing for Albany that provision was at once 
made by its founders for the public worship of God. We 
do not claim that they all were devotedly pious people. 
They came hither for gain, not for conscience's sake, and a 
living faith was doubtless wanting in some of them. But 
they were of one mind in reverence for the externals of 
religion. When the Sabbath came worldly work ceased, and 
while they were not so precise in their observance of the 
day of rest as were the Puritans, who- professed to be scan- 
dalized by some things they witnessed in Holland, yet they 
insisted on the observance of public worship. It might be 
held in a private house or barn, and without a minister, but 
it must be held, and all the men, womeii and children must 
attend it ; and often they walked miles to attend it, for it was 
the ordinance of God. Thus every child grew up into this 
invaluable habit of attendance on the ordinances of God's 
house. And if there was no preacher, yet the attendant 
was sure to hear God's word read, and his praises sung, and 
prayers to him offered, and to hear the three things which 
are prominent not only in the catechism, but in all the 
liturgies of the reformation, viz. : the ten commandments, 
the Lord's prayer, and the apostolic creed. The services 
were simple, decent and appropriate, containing considerable 
of the liturgical element, yet not so as to interfere seriously 
with the liberty of the minister in presenting the wants of the 
people before God. Respect for the externals of religion, 
for the church, her laws, ordinances, ceremonies, and even 
customs is by many not duly appreciated at the present 
day. It is true that we may respect them for their own 
sake, may confound the observance of them with true religion 
and measure our piety by the number and imposing charac- 
ter of the ceremonies observed. But may we not, on the 
other hand, abuse the truth that spirituality is of the essence 
of religion, by entirely setting aside the externals of worship 
as useless or even harmful ? And so men claim that they 

121 



can worship God without attending church, for nothing is 
needed but that the heart be right. Now know this, that 
when the outward and visible which has been estabhshed by 
God is despised and neglected, the inward and spiritual will 
soon disappear. The Holy Spirit chooses the divinely-ap- 
pointed ordinances as his channels for communicating his 
blessed influences. The man who disregards them does it 
at his peril, for he dictates to the Holy Ghost the methods 
of his working. How this habit of the early Albanians, 
formed also in their children, must have told upon the gen- 
erations that followed them. Doubtless many of you can 
see the traces of it at the present day. And I am very sure 
that no greater blessing could come to your city now than 
a baptism of the Spirit of God which should lead every one 
to determine that never shall his seat in the house of God be 
vacant, except when God himself has by his providence shut 
him out, and when the sad sight shall be no more witnessed 
of fathers and mothers occupying the family pew, while sons 
and daughters are seeking their pleasure. 

v. THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 

In this we find the two elements of ministerial parity and 
popular representation. Elders and deacons were elected 
as representatives of the people, to serve for the limited pe- 
riod of two years. The Dutch people had come from a 
country of large freedom in the municipalities, and they 
were jealous of their rights. Their situation here was pecu- 
liar. For the promotion of the settlements of the country, 
large grants of lands were given to certain persons, who 
were then called patroons, and were clothed with certain 
rights and powers like feudal chieftains. With these rights 
and powers were connected corresponding duties and obli- 
gations. Among other things they were to provide minis- 
ters and schoolmasters. And accordingly the first minister 
in this place was engaged by the patroon Van Rensselaer. 
This quasi-feudal system had its advantages and disadvan- 
tages, and its practical workings were greatly affected by the 
character of the patroon, who, if wise, just and humane, was 
as a father to his tenants. But the system did, doubtless, at 
the first operate against a rapid increase of the population. 
In 1652 Beverwyck was declared to be independent of the 
patroon's colony, and the germ of the present city of Al- 
bany was released from feudal jurisdiction. Now, while the 

122 



church was by her teaching and discipHne promotive of 
order and content among the people, at the same time she by 
her form of government kept ahve in their breasts the love of 
individual liberty, to be restricted only by the general good. 
After the province had passed into the hands of the English 
it was impossible but that jealousies should arise. The power 
had passed into the hands of aliens, men of another country, 
another language, another form of religion. The governors 
were representatives of the Englisli crown, they had English 
ideas, and favored English institutions. The will of the 
people was not always respected to the fullest extent, and 
even good measures were likely to be misrepresented or mis- 
understood. In time policies were adopted, which not only 
the Dutch people, but those of all nationalities and in all the 
colonies, regarded as intolerably oppressive, and thus the 
way was gradually prepared for the assertion of independ- 
ence. Is it not fair to claim for the Dutch church some in- 
fluence in this matter ? Had not her polity stood forth for 
nearly a century and a half as the rei)resentative of the rights 
of man ? We are not surprised to find that her ministers 
and people were almost to a man true to the cause of na- 
tional independence. In our representative repubhcan form 
of government we find the principles of our church polity 
which we believe to be not only scriptural but in accord with 
sound views of popular rights. 



VI. HER GENIUS OR SPIRIT. 

This was eminently tolerant, beneficent, missionary and 
Cathohc. Holland was the asylum of the persecuted, 
whether Christians or Jews, from all the nations of Europe. 
The Dutch could not in this country be recreant to their 
principles. It is true that Governor Stuyvesant did once 
blunder into a proclamation against all who '' should hold 
conventicles not in harmony with the estabHshed religion." 
It was also attempted " to employ all moderate exertions to 
lure them (Lutherans) to our churches and to matriculate 
them in the pubhc reformed reUgion." Zeal in this matter 
led to measures which we would hardly call moderate, such 
as compelling parents to have their children baptized in the 
Dutch church, and to express their belief in the doctrines of 
the synod of Dort on pain of imprisonment. But Stuyve- 
sant was promptly rebuked by the West India company. 

123 



They directed him " to allow to all the free exercise of reli- 
gion in their own houses," and declared " that at least the 
consciences of men ought to remain free and unshackled. 
Let every one remain free as long as he is modest, moder- 
ate, his pohtical conduct irreproachable, and as long as he 
does not offend others or oppose the government. This 
maxim of moderation has always been the guide of our ma- 
gistrates in this city (Amsterdam), and the consequence has 
been that people have flocked from every land to this asy- 
lum. Tread thus in their steps, and we doubt not you will 
be blessed." For Stuyvesant's proclamation the church was 
not responsible. After the English had come into power the 
Dutch and Episcopal clergymen freely and cordially frater- 
nized. The two Dutch ministers, Selyna and Nucella, as- 
sisted in the services at the induction into office of Rev. Mr. 
Vesey as first rector of Trinity church, New York, and the 
services were held in the Dutch church in Garden street. 
During tlie revolutionary war, when the Dutch church was 
used as a hospital by the British, the Episcopahans offered 
the use of St. George's church to the Dutch congregation, 
and the offer was accepted. (Brodhead's History, vol. i, 
p. 119.) Their respective fields were for a long time so well 
fenced in by the difterence of language that the idea of 
competition could scarcely be entertained. It was benevo- 
lent. Almsgiving was always a part of the worship on the 
Lord's day, as it still is. The deacon's office was a very im- 
portant one in Holland. There was a time when the con- 
tributions of the church of Amsterdam to the deacon's fund 
exceeded its income for all other purposes, and most liber- 
ally did the deacons distribute not only to their own people, 
but to the thousands of strangers who came to them stripped 
of their all for the sake of the gospel. I have been greatly 
interested in reading the reports of the deacons of this church 
of Albany from 1665 to 17 15. From the very liberal col- 
lections that were taken up in the church the deacons paid 
for the support of widows and orphans, for food and cloth- 
ing, for medicine, for funeral expenses and for wages, and in 
other modes of relief very large sums annually, and then 
they had surplus moneys which they loaned at interest or in- 
vested in real estate. The assets reported by the deacons in 
1686 amounted to 12,687 guilders, or somewhat more than 
$5,000. The church was the only organized almoner, and 
well did she fulfill that part of her vocation. She had a 

124 



missionary spirit. She, from the first, cared for the heathen 
around her. It was expressly required of Megapolensis and 
his immediate successors by their calls that they should in- 
struct and christianize the Indians, and Avith great zeal and 
faithfulness did they labor in their behalf, and on the regis- 
ter of baptisms of this church are to be found the names of 
many Indian converts. I wonder that some artist has not 
selected for an historical painting Dom. Megapolensis 
preaching to his little congregation at Fort Orange, with the 
dusky Mohawks standing around smoking their long pipes, 
looking on with wonder and asking what he was doing and 
why he alone talked and all the others kept silence. Need 
we be surprised to learn that the ministers and members of 
the church of Albany were among the chief supporters of 
the Northern missionary society which did so much for the 
christianization and civilization of the Indians in Central and 
Western New York from 1797 to 1833? Surely the influ- 
ence of a church with a liberal, catholic and missionary spirit 
in a forming as well as estabUshed community cannot be 
exhibited by statistics. 

I have thus endeavored to set before you some of the char- 
acteristics of the Reformed church of the Netherlands, which 
eminently qualify her to exert a most healthful influence 
upon a young and growing community. You have seen 
from what school the colonists came, and what system of 
truth, what educational system, what respect for Christian 
ordinances, what a model of church government, and what 
a cathohc spirit they brought with them. It could not be 
otherwise than that every good thing should receive the fos- 
tering care of this church, and that she should be a clear, 
steadily-shining light for the guidance of the generations to 
come. And has not her influence been eminently salutary, 
especially in the direction of a healthful conservatism ? And 
is it not quite as important to hold fast to the good already 
professed as it is to reach after that which has not yet been 
attained ? Indeed, progress depends on a resolute mainte- 
nance of good possessed, while its abandonment is retro- 
gression. Now it is fair to ask whether this influence so 
early exerted by this church has not been permanent, and 
whether it may not be traced down to the present day. 
There are many of you who are more competent than I to 
answer this question. 



125 



VII. HINDRANCES TO GROWTH. 

You need not be told that the Reformed Dutch church 
has not multipHed her congregations in Albary proportion- 
ately with the increase of population. If she had done so 
nine tenths of the people would now be in her communion. 
But how unjust to charge her with remissness because she 
has not in numbers continued to lead all the denominations. 
You will consider that she was a foreign national church 
planted on American soil, that when Albany was a small 
village the province passed under the dominion of the Eng- 
lish ; that emigration from the fatherland was seriously 
checked ; that the church could look for increase only to 
the natural increase of the Dutch people ; that the Episco- 
pal church gained an advantage which the Dutch lost, as 
the church of government officials ; that in due time it could 
not be otherwise than that all the principal sects of Chris- 
tians should here raise their banners, Lutherans, Presbyte- 
rians, Methodists, Baptists, Congregationahsts, Roman Cath- 
olics. They were entitled to have their own churches and to 
worship according to their preferences based on peculiar 
views of doctrine, of government or ritual. And so these 
churches sprang up around the old Dutch altar, on which, 
nevertheless, the fire has continued to burn and has been 
kept brightly burning through the loyal zeal of the descend- 
ants of the parishioners of Megapolensis, Schaets, Dellius, 
Lydius and Westerlo. May it not be that unconsciously the 
later churches have received something of conservative in- 
fluence from this ancient church, while she in turn has re- 
ceived something of an aggressive spirit from these new 
allies in the fight with the powers of darkness, so that in the 
unity of the spirit, though under separate organizations they 
are all striving together for the faith of the gospel. But it 
will be said that while this is true, and while it is also true 
that many who were born and baptized in other communions 
have fixed their homes in this venerable church, because 
they loved her doctrines, order and spirit, yet many of her 
own children she has failed to retain. No doubt this is so, 
for the same reasons that often lead individuals of all other 
communions to change church relationships operate among 
the members of the Dutch communion. If a man changes 
his views of doctrine or government, or has a serious griev- 
ance, or seeks for more congenial associations, or better 
provision for his spiritual needs, we grant him the liberty to 

126 



act accordingly. Why should one be compelled to remain 
in some one church who prefers to be elsewhere ? But the 
Reformed Dutch church was peculiarly situated. There 
were causes for loss of children and arrest of progress from 
which the surrounding churches were exempt, and which 
were operative down to almost the close of the last century. 
When we contemplate them we wonder at the good provi- 
dence which saved this church from utter extinction. Not 
only was she in common with other denominations affected 
by the predominant, political influence of the English church, 
and her plausible claim to be the church by law established 
in the English colonies, but she suffered from subjection to 
the ecclesiastical authorities in Holland, which continued 
150 years, from the difficulty during that long period of ob- 
taining pastors, from the bitter controversy between the 
Coetus and Conferentie parties about ministerial education 
and ecclesiastical independence. All these exerted a most 
disastrous influence and drove many lovers of peace into 
other communions. Besides these there was one hindrance, 
which, if there had been no other, would have proved most 
effective. I refer to the continued, exclusive use of the 
Dutch language in public worship down to the year 1782, 
when the learned and godly Dr. Westerlo began to preach 
one sermon weekly in English, It is difticult to believe that 
the beginning of English preaching was made in the Re- 
formed Dutch church of Albany only about a hundred years 
ago, and after the Dutch had had undisputed sway for 140 
years. Now, how was it possible to retain in this church the 
constantly-increasing numbers of those who had only a slight 
understanding of the language used in worship, or none at 
all? The children of Dutch parents were taught English in 
the schools and largely in their homes. English was the 
language of business, of the laws and of the courts. The 
Dutch was rapidly dying out, especially in the cities, but in 
the church services the dear old tongue was maintained, for 
the ministers were at home in it, and the old people loved 
it and reverenced it as if it were the original inspired tongue. 
But to the young, even those who could speak the collo- 
quial Dutch, it was virtually an unknown tongue, by reason 
of the limitations of their vocabulary. And so it happened 
that the young were gradually drawn into other churches 
and were lost to the church of their fathers forever. I have 
been greatly interested in a letter written in 17 10 by Rev. 



127 



Thomas Barclay, a missionary of the church of England, 
sent to this place by the society for the propagation of the 
gospel in foreign parts. In writing to the secretary of that 
society he says : " Honored Sir : As I did begin from my 
first coming to Albany, so I go on to catechise the youth ; 
and it hath pleased God to bless my weak endeavors that 
way, for a great many Dutch children who, at my first ar- 
rival, were altogether ignorant of the English tongue, can 
distinctly say our catechism and make the responses at pray- 
ers. Every Sunday, after the second lesson at evening 
prayer, I explain some part of the catechism in as plain and 
familiar a manner as I can, shunning all controversies, teach- 
ing them such fundamental doctrines as are necessary and 
tend most to promote piety and a good life. I have taught 
the scholars the prayers appointed for charity schools, and I 
have used all possible methods to engage the children to 
their duty, both by the giving of small presents to the most 
forward and diligent, and by frequently visiting their schools; 
and for encouraging the schoolmasters, I give them what 
charity is collected in our church, obliging them to bring 
their scholars to public prayers. At Schenectady I preach 
once a month, where there is a garrison of 40 soldiers, be- 
sides about 16 English and 100 Dutch families. They are 
all of them my constant hearers. I have this summer got 
an English school erected amongst them, and in a short 
time I hope their children will be fit for catechizing. Sche- 
nectady is a village situated upon a pleasant river 20 Enghsh 
miles above Albany, and the first castle of the Indians is 24 
miles above Schenectady. In this village there has been no 
Dutch minister these five years, and there is no probability 
of any being settled among them. There is a convenient 
and well-built church which they freely gave me the use of. 
I have taken pains to show the agreement of the articles of 
our church with theirs. I hope in some time to bring them 
not only to be constant hearers but communicants. Mr. 
Lydius, the minister of the Dutch congregation of Albany, 
died the ist day of March last. He was a good, pious man 
and lived in entire friendship with me ; sent his own chil- 
dren to be catechized." (Annals of Albany, vol. 5, p. 218.) 
If the successors of Mr. Barclay down to the close of the 
last century worked on the same lines with him, and with 
like tact and fidelity, it would not have been strange if a 
mere corporal's guard had remained in attendance on Dr. 

128 



Westerlo's ministry in 1782. We blame not Mr. Barclay. 
He seems to have been an orthodox and zealous minister, 
seeking to supply the things that were lacking, and not 
working in an underhanded way, but with the consent of 
the Dutch minister and people. But surely his methods 
were not calculated to build up the Reformed Dutch church. 
We now find, as the result of various causes working through 
the generations, the names of old Dutch pioneers on the 
roll of the bishops of the Protestant Episcopal church (even 
the name Knickerbocker is there) and of priests, deacons 
and vestrymen. We find ministers, church officers and 
members of all denominations bearing Dutch names. Every- 
where, in all churches, you will find the descendants of 
Dutchmen, and I am sure that unless they have utterly for- 
gotten their good training they are among the most loyal 
and valuable in their new relations. Now, in the light of 
the facts that have been presented, is it fair to reproach this 
venerable church, which was the first one on the ground in 
New York and Albany, for being to-day in numbers far be- 
hind the chief denominations of Christians around her? As 
well might you reproach the racer for coming in last, who 
though he started first, ran with a hundred pound weight tied 
to his feet. The Reformed Dutch church may well be com- 
pared to a ship crowded with passengers lying at anchor for 
100 years at the mouth of a river. Meanwhile vessels of all 
sorts pass by, each one taking on board some of her passen- 
gers, and sail out of sight up the river. After 100 
years of this process it is concluded to weigh anchor and 
sail for the head of navigation. Would you expect 
her to catch up with, or even get within sight of the fleet 
ahead ? For more than 100 years the anchor of the Dutch 
tongue held the old ship fast to her moorings. Those who 
had command of her seemed to be well pleased with this 
state of quiescence, until they woke up to the fact that if a 
start were not made they were likely to be left alone on 
board. And yet, paradoxical as it may be thought, the very 
cause that, in cities at least, hindered the progress of the 
church, probably saved her life. The Dutch tongue 
was the strong cord holding together the churches all through 
the times of disability and contention. This language was 
a high wall of separation from the other denominations 
which could not be easily scaled. If it had been removed 
perhaps not even strong feelings of loyalty to the fatherland 



129 



would have prevented a general exodus and a flight to the 
Episcopal and Presbyterian churches. 

VIII. LESSONS OF THE HOUR. 

And now what are the lessons and duties of the hour? 
Not to brood with vain regrets over the mistakes of the past, 
but to rejoice that God makes even them to subserve his 
glory and to be thankful for whatever influence for good this 
church has exerted in this city, State and country. She has 
certainly been for eight generations a steady witness for 
Christ. The truths of the everlasting gospel have been pro- 
claimed from her pulpits by able and godly men through all 
these generations. In her consistories and membership have 
been found men who exerted no little influence in the State 
as well as the church ; who adorned the various professions, 
who bore an important part in shaping the constitution of 
the State as well as in regulating municipal affairs, and whose 
zeal for the church universal did not hinder a special devo- 
tion to the institutions of their own denomination. When 
in the middle of the last century the hopes of the great ma- 
jority of the members of the Dutch churches, and especially 
of the men of earnest and progressive spirit, were disap- 
pointed in the matter of a professorship of theology in con- 
nection with Kings (Columbia) college, it was Rev. Theo- 
dorus FreUnghuysen, the active and faithful pastor of the 
church of Albany, who started from his home in midwinter 
and visited the pastors and churches along the Hudson, and 
in New Jersey, to stimulate interest and effort for the estab- 
lishment of a college for the training of ministers for the 
Dutch churches. In behalf of this object he subsequently 
went to Holland, and after an unsuccessful mission, was on 
the return voyage drowned at Sandy Hook. When the time 
had come in 1814 for the appointment of an additional pro- 
fessor in the theological school at New Brunswick, the 
church of Albany pledged for his support $750 per year for 
six years. When, in 1823, the particular synod of Albany, 
stimulated by the example of the particular synod of New 
York (which had just raised $26,675 for the second profes- 
sorship), resolved to raise the moneys for a third professor- 
ship, the committee which with indefatigable perseverance 
carried the work to a successful completion, by raising $26,- 
715, was composed of the Rev. Dr. John Ludlow, pastor of 
the church of Albany, and Elders Christian Miller of Al- 

130 



bany, and Abraham Van Dyck of Coxsackie. Nearly $8,000 
of this amount were contributed by members of the church 
of Albany. In the Rensselaer Manor house, known for 
many years through the whole country for its large and ele- 
gant hospitality, and in which no guests received a heartier 
welcome than ministers of the gospel, not only were high 
matters of state discussed, but liberal things for reHgion, and 
especially for the institutions of the Reformed Dutch church, 
were devised. When in 1835 an effort was made for the 
increase of the endowment of the theological school at New 
Brunswick, the Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer, whose mem- 
ory will never cease to be fragrant in Albany, headed the list 
of subscriptions with one of $5,000. When in 1864 the fourth 
professorship was established, his son, Gen. Stephen Van 
Rensselaer, subscribed $5,000 ; and when in 1870-2 the 
Rev. Dr. James A. H. Cornell was working for the various 
interests of the theological seminary Mr. Eugene Van Rens- 
selaer contributed $5,000. From Mr. Jacob H. Ten Eyck 
was received by will the sum of $10,000. As a representa- 
tive of that theological school, I could not let this occasion 
pass without an acknowledgment of indebtedness to the 
church of Albany, and to all in her communion who, as 
well as those whose names have been mentioned, have never 
failed to give us sympathy and support. And besides, Al- 
bany has furnished the school with three professors, the Rev. 
Dr. John Bassett, appointed in 1804; the Rev. Dr. John 
DeWitt, in 1823, and the Rev. Dr. William H. Campbell, 
in 1851, while Rutgers' college is indebted to Albany for 
Professors John DeWitt, Lewis C. Beck, William H. Camp- 
bell, George H. Cook, David Murray and Merrill Edwards 
Gates, the present efficient and successful president of the 
college. To these may be added a succession of students 
who are an honor to their alma mater. To-day this church 
is girded for her work. She is to forget the things that are 
behind and to reach forth to those things that are before. 
As the citizens of Albany enter on their third century of 
corporate civic life this church is with them, pledged to con- 
tinue to proclaim and teach the pure doctrines of the Word 
of God, to encourage every effort for the promotion of wise 
government, good order, sound morals and true prosperity. 
She stands ordained of God, to help in the training of the 
people for self-government, and for the enjoyment of true 
liberty, and for the promotion here and everywhere of the 



131 



kingdom which is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy 
Ghost. 

Venerable church, antedating this ancient city's birth, thy 
children rise up before thee and call thee blessed. From 
this day with renewed youth do valiantly for our Lord 
Christ. 

" Peace be within thy walls 

And prosperity within thy palaces, 

For my brethren and companions' sakes, 

I will now say, peace be within thee." 



UNION SERVICES AT ST. PETER'S. 

St. Peter's church never contained a larger or more 
notable audience than on the occasion of the union 
service of the Episcopal churches. The church was 
crowded to the doors before eight o'clock, and 
after that hour there was a constant stream of 
persons up and down the steps, almost every one 
having to content himself with a glance over the 
heads of the throng in the vestibule. There was little 
attempt at decoration, save a profuse display of cut 
flowers before the chancel and altar. The music was 
given with grand effect, there being the combined 
choirs of All Saints' cathedral, Grace church and St. 
Peter's church, under the direction of F. W. Mills, 
organist and choir master of St. Peter's. 

The hymn, "Ancient of Days," words by Bishop 
Doane and music by Mr. J. Albert Jeffery, is one of 
those grand massive chants which, when sung by 
such a superb chorus, one hundred and thirty strong, 
has an electric effect. The harmonies are full and 
sonorous, and there is about the entire work the 
spirit of an accomplished musician. It was preceded 
by some exquisite organ solos by Mr. Jeffery, a cho- 

132 



rus from Handel's " Samson," the march from " La 
Reine de Saba," and a prayer by Lemmens, the cele- 
brated English organist. The sermon, which was by 
Bishop Doane, follows : 

BISHOP DOANE's sermon. 
"A citizen of no mean city." — Acts xxi : 39. 

This is eminently a season and a service of rememibrance. 
The present seems to-day not so much a contemplation as 
a contrast. The future stretches out before us in the majesty 
of the mysterious unknown. We are living in the reminders 
of the past. Not unmindful of the Christian exhortation to 
" forget the things that are behind in order that we may 
reach forth unto those things which are before," we pause a 
moment in this anniversary week of our " not mean city," to 
look " unto the rock whence we are hewn, and to the hole 
of the pit whence we are digged." For if rightly used, such 
a monument as we set up here to-day, will serve only as a 
stimulus to wholesome humility and more earnest energy. 

I take it that one chief purpose of such a service as the 
municipal authorities of Albany propose to us, and of such 
a sermon as I am asked to preach by the rectors of our five 
parishes, is to make a record of the first centuries of our 
church life, and to trace the story of our life and growth as 
part of the religious history of this old town. And I address 
myself first to gather up for preservation in the Bi-centennial 
volume the salient points of that story. There is high au- 
thority for this treatment of such a subject, since the inspired 
history of the Catholic Church takes to itself the name of 
" the Acts of the Holy Apostles." 

Others will tell to-day the tale of those religious begin- 
nings, which were not after our ways of order and worship. 
And a most interesting story it can be. Naturally, in a way, 
we were not first, because the first comers were really the 
French in 1624. Coming from France to Holland, to 
escape the inquisition, and with that queer Saxon name 
" Walloons," which means foreigners, these French Protest- 
ants stepped in the footprints of their fellow-countrymen, 
whose exploration of the Hudson river antedates Hudson's 
coming by more than eighty years. Next to them came the 
Hollanders, who sought and obtained at once, from home 

133 



the ministrations of their own church in 1628. The story 
that follows, of actual intolerance, is the story of almost all 
religious occupation, whether of Puritan against Quaker or 
Baptist in New England, or of Dutchmen against Lutherans 
and German Protestants and Anglicans in New York. It 
was not until 1684, and then by permission of an English 
governor, that the Lutherans were allowed to hold service 
here, although a French Calvanist clergyman, in 1628, min- 
istered to the Walloons. The Dutch Church, according to 
their charter from the West India company, was really es- 
tablished here, and the first services were held in the fort in 
1633, and continued after that by a succession of Dutch 
ministers. It is more to the credit of Englishmen here, that 
they first allowed and recognized rehgious differences by 
toleration of freedom of worship, than that they remained 
indifferent to any provision for their own services for so 
many years. It was more accident than choice which gave 
the first English clergyman to Albany. Nicolas Van Rens- 
selaer, the third son of the first Patroon, came over from 
Amsterdam to London as chaplain to the ambassador of the 
States General in Holland. Having earned the favor of the 
Stuarts while they were in exile on the continent, he was 
welcomed by Charles II., and treated by him and by the 
Duke of York and Albany with distinguished favor. Having 
been ordained Deacon and Priest by the Bishop of Salisbury, 
he was sent out, perhaps as chaplain to the governor of New 
York, with directions to appoint him a minister when a 
vacancy should occur in one of the Dutch churches. And in 
this way he became the colleague of the minister of the 
Dutch Church in Albany. The inevitable jealousies at once 
arose. His right to administer holy Baptism was first de- 
nied, because he had no license from the classis at Amster- 
dam. This claim being disallowed by the governor and 
council in New York, Mr. Van Rensselaer returned to Albany 
only to be subjected to accusations of heresy, for preach- 
ing doctrines at variance with the standards ot the Reformed 
Church of Holland ; and was finally imprisoned in 1676 by 
the magistrates in Albany for " dubious words " spoken in 
his sermon. For which bit of bigotty the magistrates were 
summoned to New York, and ordered by the council to 
release their prisoner and cease their bickerings ; to be recon- 
ciled and " consume all their differences in the fire of love." 
But after this the Rev. Mr. Van Rensselaer appears to have 



134 



abstained from the exercise of his ministry and to have 
devoted himself to the care of the estate, which devolved 
upon him by the death of the patroon. So far as our 
ecclesiastical history in Albany is concerned, it is only an 
episode that led to no rooting and no results. 

Looking toward the real beginning of the church in Al- 
bany, I find the first definite proposal made in 1695, by the 
Rev. John Miller, who was for three years chaplain of the 
fort in New York. And it is made in a right churchly way. 
Lamenting the divisions amongst Christians and bewaihng 
the lack of clergymen to minister to the English settlers, he 
proposes, in a letter to the bishop of London, the appoint- 
ment of a " Bishop to reside in New York with a staff of 
well-learned clergymen whom he could send into the towns 
of the province, and form, as opportunity presented, parishes 
of the Church of England, or at least give the members of 
the church regular services." He also asks in particular for the 
appointment of a chaplain to the soldiers in Albany. Earlier 
by seventy years than the petition of the Connecticut clergy, 
this suggestion of the true method of planting the church in 
America, upon the old plan of the Bishop and his cathedral 
staff making a strong church centre, is satisfactory and sug- 
gestive in the spirit that prompted it. What vantage ground 
it would have given the Church, if it could have been carried 
out, is impossible to overstate. But it went over until the 
days of William and Mary, and then the wretched substitute 
of a commissary of the Bishop of London took its place, 
and in spite of Inglis in New York and Bray in Maryland, 
and of the " ministry act," which established the Church in 
America, little was done beside the securing of a few grants, 
the planting of scattered parishes and the distribution of 
prayer books and tracts. One good reactive benefit ought 
to be mentioned here. The Church of England owes the 
existence of its glorious Society for the Propagation of the 
Gospel in Foreign Parts to Dr. Bray's representation of the 
needs of America. The first actual beginning of services 
here was by the Rev. Thoroughgood Moore, who came in 
1704 as missionary to the Mohawk Indians, and held services 
on the very spot where we are now gathered, which then 
was Fort Frederick. Curiously interturned are the threads 
which go to make up the story of motives, hindrances and 
results in connection with this beginning. The line of posts 
established by the French, from the Niagara river to the 



135 



Mohawk, and the energy of the Jesuit missionaries, combin- 
ing as they did always, the interests of the Church and the 
State, of the Cross and the crown of France, threatened col- 
Hsion between the two nations of France and England, and 
the great interest of the fur traders required that the English 
trading posts should be undisturbed. Added to this came 
the impression made upon Queen Anne, especially by Bel- 
lamore and Cornbury, as to the great importance of main- 
taining the friendly alliance which the Dutch had begun with 
the five Indian tribes, and in order to do this of making the 
Indians Christians. Albany was the central point, to which 
a yearly conference of the chiefs of the five-nations was 
called, and where the attempt was made to impress them 
with the majesty of the British crown ; and here the first 
missionary was sent, to make this the basis of operations for 
mission work among the two tribes — the Mohawks and the 
Onondagas. But, alas! the influences of counteraction were 
too strong. Mr. Moore made several attempts to reach the 
Mohawks, but failed, owing to the religious jealousies of the 
French, and owing to the great unwillingness of the fur 
traders to allow tlieir nefarious operations to be interfered 
with. To make the Indians sober would have interfered 
with the sale of spirits, and to educate them too far would 
make them wise enough to see the folly of the bargains they 
were driving in the exchange of skins and furs for beads and 
trinkets. Finding it impossible to get access to the Mo- 
hawks, Mr. Moore "left Albany and the Indians in 1705 
without any thought of returning." This suspension of the 
services, which the English had " impatiently desired," was 
brief; and the next step is the firm planting of the Church 
to stay. The incorporation here under the name of " the 
Rector and inhabitants of Albany in communion with the 
Church of England as by law established," and the coming 
of the Rev. Thomas Barclay, as chaplain to the fort, in 
1708, began the full occupation of the ground. Mr. Bar- 
clay preached in Enghsh and Dutch, and ministered for a 
time to the Indians in Schenectady. And after some years 
of worsliip in a small Lutheran chapel, the English church 
was built in 17 16 by a gift from the city and by subscrip- 
tions from the garrison, and from Schenectady and other 
parts of the province. 

The beauty and poetry of things are always far more in 
their beginnings than in their ends. The spring just burst- 

136 



ing through the leaves and stones of its birthplace, and the 
full rush of the brook in its earliest starting from the spring, 
are redolent with beauty and resonant with song. As it 
goes on and widens into smooth water the banks are tame 
and the flow more sluggish ; though all the while it is far 
richer with the wealth of commerce and the blessing of 
refreshment to the world. And so it is in the story of almost 
all growth. The picturesque and the romantic are at the 
first. What follows, naturally, of our growth, is far richer in 
results, but tamer in the telling. In 1737 the first native- 
born clergyman, a son of the Rev. Thomas Barclay, was 
Rector of St. Peter's church for eight years, and went from 
here to be Rector of Trinity church, New York. Barclay, 
Miln, Beasley, Berclay, Ogilvie, Thomas Brown, Harry 
Monro, these were the succession down to 1769, when the 
charter was granted to St. Peter's church. Then came the 
Revolution with all its suspicions and disasters. And in 1787 
the Rev. Thomas Ellison became rector, and under him the 
second building was erected on this present site in 1802. 
Mr. Ellison died in that year after a ministry of much use- 
fulness. He was a prominent figure in the Albany of that 
day ; the teacher of Bishop Philander Chase and of Feni- 
more Cooper, and a great favorite in society. Beasley, 
Dows, Lacey, these bring the names down to our present 
memories, and end the period during which the history of 
St. Peter's church was the history of our Church in Albany. 
During Dr. Lacey's rectorship the parish of St. Paul's was 
organized in 1827. And during the rectorship of Bishop 
Potter, which extended from 1833 to 1854, the parishes of 
Trinity, Grace and Holy Innocents were organized. Upon 
Dr. Potter's election to the episcopate, Dr. Pitkin became 
the Rector, and under his administration the present build- 
ing, except the completed tower, was built. Then came 
Mr. Wilson (with Mr. Tatlock as his associate), whom I suc- 
ceeded, and after me Dr. Snively and Dr. Battershall. The 
men who have filled the rectorship for the last fifty-three 
years are all living. Until the incorporation of the Cathe- 
dral in 1873, no distinct organization of our Church had 
been undertaken here since 1850, although St. Paul's main- 
tained its mission for several years in the lower part of the 
city, now given over to the care of Trinity church. There 
have been sixteen rectors of St. Peter's in the 178 years of 
its existence ; seven at St. Paul's in its sixty years ; five of 



137 



Trinity in its forty-seven years ; nine of Grace in its forty 
years ; and six of Holy Innocents in its thirty-six years. I 
find the first data on which to base our growth in Albany in 
the Rev. Mr, Monro's report of forty-four communicants 
and one hundred and fifty attendants, about 1770. In 1791 
Mr. Ellison, to whom the Church was deeply indebted for 
wise and energetic administration, presented to Bishop Pro- 
voost to be confirmed, in St. Peter's church, one hundred 
and thirty-six white and eleven colored persons. It would 
be a more satisfactory comparison if I knew the difference 
in the population of Albany then and now. But at least it 
is a matter of thankfulness to realize that to-day the forty- 
four communicants have become twenty-five hundred, the 
one Parish five Parishes and the Cathedral ; and that their 
activities are recognized in all good works and ways through- 
out the city. 

The details of this story must be completed by the facts 
of the branching out of from the old parish of its flourishing 
scions. Of these, the oldest, St. Paul's, kept its semi-cen- 
tennial nine years ago, when a goodly number of clergy, in- 
cluding four of its former Rectors (two of them now Bishops), 
kept the festival, and the steps of its material and spiritual 
growth were traced from its cradle in the South Pearl street 
school room, through the present St. John's Roman Catho- 
lic church and the old South Pearl street theatre to its pres- 
ent building, consecrated in 1864. Since then have come 
the rectory and the admirable building for the Sunday 
school, whose strong life is one of the marked features of 
this vigorous Parish. 

Twelve years later came Trinity, in 1839, the story of 
whose growth gathers in very great degree about the life of 
the Rev. Mr. Selkirk, its first Rector. Prompted by the 
removal of St. Paul's from the southern part of the city, a 
few churchmen began the organization of a new Parish. 
The first building being outgrown by the congregation, 
was sold, and the present church, admirably situated 
for an important missionary work, was finished and conse- 
crated in 1849. In 1868 the parish property was made com- 
plete by the rectory building, due, as was the church 
building, in large degree, to Mr. Selkirk's indefatigable ear- 
nestness. And its story, under its present rector, is what it 
has been all its life, the story of a patient and faithful strug- 
gle, to minister to the people of its neighborhood against 
great odds of poverty. 

138 



Grace church was founded in 1846, and was cared for in 
early infancy by the priest who bears the old and honorable 
name of the tirst patroon, and the first English clergyman in 
Albany. Beginning with the principle of free seats, which I 
am glad to say it has always maintained, it was known at 
first as " the free Episcopal church," and inaugurated in 
Albany, twenty-five years ago, the music of a boy's choir. 
From its first building, in 1847, ^^^ Washington avenue, it 
crossed over, building and all, to Clinton avenue, in 1873 ; 
where, enlarged and greatly improved, it is doing noble 
service, in the western portion of the city. 

The northern part of Albany was uncared for until 1850. 
Then Mr. DeWitt, a member of St. Paul's church, built the 
Church of the Holy Innocents, as a memorial to his four 
children, whom the Lord had given and taken away. To 
the gift of the church building, he added by will a partial 
endowment; and in 1885, after the death of Mrs. De Witt, 
the Sunday school chapel was deeded to the corporation. 
It has since been enlarged and improved, and so made bet- 
ter able to do the hard and important work of caring for the 
large, changing and varying population of North Albany. 

In 1869 the setting off of the old northern convocation 
into a Diocese was completed by the election of the first 
Bishop. Of course, this involved the outworking of the 
Episcopal idea, which is that of a strong centre, from which 
the oversight and care of all the churches reaches out. The 
founding of St. Agnes' school in 1871 necessitated some 
provision for the worship and religious training of its pupils, 
and this naturally took the form of the Bishop's church. 
This led to the incorporation, in 1873, of the Cathedral of 
All Saints, whose congregation, still worshipping in the old 
foundry where they began, and which has been once en- 
larged, are slowly advancing toward the completion, for use, 
of a seemly and suitable cathedral church. It is not too 
much to say that in its institutions of school and hospital 
and sisterhood, in its introduction of the cathedral service, 
adopted now by two other churches in Albany ; in its stim- 
ulus to the older parishes of the city, and in its own religious 
work, it is fulfilling the promise which they have the right to 
expect who do the Lord's work in the Lord's way, and 
believe in the power of the Bishop's ofiice to strengthen and 
extend the Church. 

The train of thoughts to which such memories lead, strikes 



139 



into the three disthict and separate paths, and the first is the 
upward way of gratitude to God, who has given us what we 
might ahnost call a Christian birth, and blessed and favored 
with His presence and His grace, the outgrowth from it. 
The men that made our State held firmly to the fear of God, 
and had an essential and inherent reverence and respect for 
the religion of Jesus Christ. French, Dutch, English, in 
whatever else they differed, were agreed in this, and it is 
among the earliest records of the time, that they desired, 
established and sustained the ministrations of our holy reli- 
gion. It is the fashion of to-day to look with almost con- 
temptuous disdain upon the narrowness and bitterness of 
Puritan, Calvinistic and prelatical beliefs. Where they were 
narrow, they needed broadening into tolerance ; when they 
were bitter, they needed sweetening, like the waters of 
Marah, with the tree of the sweetness of the love of Jesus 
crucified. But we may never lose sight of the sturdy and 
steadfast belief of our forefathers, which entered so largely 
into their endurance, their manhood and their virtues. We 
may never forget that their hearthstones were altars of family 
prayer ; that the Bible was to them the very Word of grace 
and truth ; and the Book enthroned and enshrined as the 
voice of God. The Lord's day, even if it were soured and 
shadowed with Sabbatarianism, was remembered and kept 
holy. Yes, and we may remember, too, that the Christmas, 
Easter, Ascension and Whitsunday feasts, alike in Dutch 
and English hearts, kept alive in those earlier days the great 
facts of the life of our dear Lord. 

We have learned, as the world has grown in the truest 
Christian thoughts of truth and worship, that no good comes 
of the attempt to mingle things that will not mingle, the 
varying views of church polity ; and still less of any effort to 
force men, by repression and compulsion, into an external 
oneness of order and form. No English priest to-day would 
seek to solve the problem of " unhappy divisions," by asso- 
ciation with the pastor of a Dutch congregation, and no 
Dutch classis to-day would deny the orders of an English 
priest, or forbid a Lutheran congregation to worship as they 
will. But the tenacity of truth is better, was better for foun- 
dations than vagueness of belief or denial of Christianity ; 
and from the rugged roots that held firmly in the deep soil 
of true religious reverence have grown the stately trees, fra- 
grant and fruitful of " faith and hope and charity." We can, 

140 



with one accord, do honor to-day to the names of Father 
Jogues, and I.abatie and Couture ; of Megalopensis, or 
Schaets and the Van Rensselaers and Stuy vesants ; of Fab- 
ricius and Arencius; of our own Van Rensselaer, and Moore, 
and Barclay, and Lovelace, and Heathcote, and Andros, 
and Hunter. 

It is fit to say a word here of the mutual relation between 
the church and the city ; in the abstract statement of mutual 
duties and in the estimate of their influence upon each other. 
The theory upon which all three of the dominant religious 
bodies began their existence was the theory of an established 
church. Inconsistent with the future development of the 
republic, it was wisely and necessarily laid aside. But there 
was never lost or laid aside, thank God, that which came to 
us in " the strain " of our blood, the great ideal of a Chris- 
tian state ; that same ideal which, in its own method of de- 
velopment has, far more than arms and ships, made England 
the great nation of the world. That it works ill when either 
of the two elements become disproportionate is true, and is 
no argument against their value in due combination. Pro- 
portion is the root element of beauty and of usefulness. 
That Constantine's conversion led more to secularizing the 
church than to Christianizing the empire ; that the Bishop 
of Rome, in the judgment of some, has at least one crown 
too many (not stopping to say that he were better with only 
a mitre and no crown at all) ; that secular and civil penalties 
ought not to enter into ecclesiastical discipline ; that sword 
and keys are at cross purposes, and ought not to be crossed ; 
that the misappropriation of religious benefices to be the 
reward of royal favor or to minister to the indulgence of the 
unholy loves of kings ; that the English establishment, won- 
derfully as it works for good in our Motherland, is far more 
beneficial to the State than to the Church of England ; all 
these are true. And yet it is not too much to say, and with 
the frightful example of the French republic before us, it is 
to be insisted on, that no State can prosper without the 
recognition of the Church, and no Church can do its blessed 
work without the protection of the State; that every king- 
dom must somewhat reflect the image of the Kingdom of 
God ; that "righteousness exalteth a nation," and that "sin 
is a reproach to any people." It is a low thought that men 
take of a city who make its chief function to be the ministry 
of sewerage and gas. And is a narrow thought of Chris- 



141 



tianity which does not recognize its influence as foremost 
to cleanse and to enhghten that in which it is. 

I beUeve, then, that we are to learn from the story of our 
past, and from the inherent purpose and evident power of 
the mutual relation between the civil and ecclesiastical 
bodies of our land, the value that each has for the other. 
The State has need in every way to encourage religion. The 
penny-wisdom of the attempt to tax church property is as 
unwise as the injustice of taxing the property of individuals 
to support a system of religion to which they are opposed. 
The very purposes for which money is raised by taxation are 
the purposes for which, in a large degree, the Christian 
church is in the world. The police system, which punishes 
disorder, is not so valuable an element in society as the sys- 
tem of religious discipline which promotes the order of obe- 
dience to law. The divine commission, which sent into all 
the world teachers of perfect truth and pure morality, is the 
older sister, on a higher plane of usefulness and value, of our 
system of popular and universal education. And in all ways 
the influence and power of Christianity in the world make 
for good citizenship. Piety and patriotism are hand in hand ; 
and the true lover of his earthly city and his earthly country 
is the man whose " citizenship is in heaven" and who "seeks 
another country that is a heavenly." Asking, in no sense, 
support and utterly refusing any discrimination in favor of 
one above another Christian body, the Church asks of the 
State protection ; immunity from attack ; rightful influence 
in inculcating principles, and respect for the great principles 
that she inculcates ; laws that will keep quiet and free from 
noise and tofl the Lord's Holy day ; the maintenance of the 
great fundamental and primeval truth of the sanctity, the 
indissolubility and the exclusiveness of marriage; license laws 
that shall minimize intemperance ; police powers that shall 
check impurity ; and such Acts as are needful to preserve 
ecclesiastical rights, by incorporations from the legislature and 
decisions in the courts of law. These are at least among 
the duties which the State owes to the Church. 

And for these in turn Christianity proposes to reach her 
hand in blessings over the State that shields her with its pro- 
tecting arm. " First of all," St. Paul says, " I will that 
prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all 
men, for kings and for all that are in authority." That great 
summary of Christian duty, which the apostle makes, whose 



142 



opening and ending seem to apply it alike to the sovereignty 
of the people and to the sovereign of the people, runs 
through the domain of the duties of reverence and charity, 
and reads, " Honor all men, love the brotherhood, fear God, 
honor the king." As an institution, the Christian Church in 
a city and a land like ours, will find its only and important 
field of service in inculcating the great principles of Chris- 
tian morality, which brmg Heaven down to earth. She will 
uphold the magistrates by prayer and influence and example. 
She will point to the coinage of all earthly money and insist 
that it be rendered unto Ccesar, alike in honest payment of 
taxes, and in liberal use of it for the health, the adornment 
and the advantage of the city. She will turn the hospitals 
and prisons, where bodies are cared for and where crime is 
punished, into places of spiritual refreshment and moral re- 
form. She will train up her children in such habits of obe- 
dience as will make them fit to fill places of authority. She 
will furnish chaplains for the public institutions and offer the 
blessing of her prevailing prayer in public places and on 
public days. She will add one star at least to the flag, and 
cross the stripes with a perpendicular bar; that so the light 
of the manifested love of God in Christ may illuminate, and 
the blood of the redemption that bought all mankind from 
slavery may consecrate, the " Banner of the stars." She will 
deepen the blue with a truer charity ; she will incarnadine 
the red with the Blood of our salvation ; she will make the 
white whiter with the purity of truth ; and Christian men and 
Avomen will set themselves to be good citizens, obedient to 
the law, respecters of " the powers that be, which are or- 
dained of God ;" advancers of the things that are " true and 
pure and lovely and of good report." What do we need so 
much to-day as some infusion of Christianity into citizenship 
— not in the way in which unprincipled politicians play into 
the hands of more unprincipled churchmen, for party ends 
and sectarian advantage ? That is a danger of to-day to be 
resisted and condemned. An honestly, openly above-board 
church establishment, whether in Rome or England, is one 
thing. Let the Pope be king there, if the people will, and 
the crown appoint the Bishops, while the law so runs ; but 
the intrusion into politics of religious bodies, and the pan- 
dering to religious bodies by politicians, is a great danger 
and a great dishonor to the principles of the Repubfic. Far 
otherwise is the intelligent. Christian appfication to the ad- 

143 



ministration of government and the selection of governors, 
of the principles of sound religion and pure morals. The 
duty of Christian men to civil institutions is to enforce, main- 
tain and honor law and the magistrates — the one as the 
voice and the other as the representative of God. Well 
would it be for us who are enjoying to-day the protection 
and privileges which the Christian fathers and founders of 
the city have provided for us, if we set ourselves to advance 
the highest honor that crowns any city ; its growth, not in 
material wealth and splendid buildings and breathing places 
for the poor ; not in these only, but far more in the richness 
of citizens with honorable character ; in upbuilding into the 
dignities of order and morality ; and in the pure atmosphere 
of restrained freedom, of even-handed justice, of large and 
holy liberty, of purity and virtue and simplicity and truth. 

The world, in all its centuries, has gathered all that is most 
glorious in its history, about its cities. It is a curious fact 
that they had their beginning in sin. Cain was the first 
builder of a city, and after him came the builders of the 
plains of Shinar. But the flood destroyed the one, and God 
came down and turned the other to such confusion as has 
made Babel ever since the synonym for disorder and strife. 
The first record of favored cities is in the appointment, by 
God's command, of cities for the Levites and cities of 
refuge, in the plains of Moab by Jordan, near Jericho. From 
that tmie cities have played a most important part in the 
history of the world. Stronger, I think, thaii any other hold, 
save that of home and country, upon the love and pride of 
men, is the position that cities occupy. The county and the 
state are in a great degree abstractions. The country, the 
Fatherland, is that which gathers and holds our affections. 
Next comes the city, and most naturally ; as the place wJiere 
home is, the place of neighborhood and friendship and of 
life's dearest ties. It is well to think, therefore, with all 
honor of that which we commemorate to-day — the elevating 
by colonial and royal recognition of what had been an asso- 
ciation of people and an aggregation of houses, to the dignity 
of chartered existence under the ducal name of Albany. 

We have no need and no desire to make ourselves ridicu- 
lous by exaggerated claims and pretensions to age and honor. 
Two hundred years, however long to us, is little as a meas- 
ure of antiquity, and many a city of our land is greater and 
grander than ours. But we may well say on many grounds 

144 



of past and present, of political significance and picturesque 
history, of character and reputation, of natural and artificial 
advantages, that we are " citizens of no mean city," whose 
" situation is pleasant," like Jericho of old. Albany has 
fallen to our lot, by birth or by adoption. It is a city with 
an honorable record of two hundred years. It is among the 
first of the chartered cities of our country. It is the city of 
Clinton, Schuyler, Livingston and Stephen Van Rensselaer, 
of William L. Marcy and Hermanus Bleecker and Ganze- 
voort and Sanford ; the city whence Potter and Kip and Star- 
key and VVadhams went to be Bishops, and McCloskey to be 
Archbishop and Cardinal, where Henry and Romeyn Beck 
were teachers, where Lydius and Sprague and Campbell and 
Welch have been pastors, where Croswell and Weed were 
journalists, where Wendell and Townsend and March and 
Vanderpoel practiced medicine, and Spencer and Amos Dean 
and Reynolds and Nicholas Hill and Cagger practiced law ; 
where Corning rose to the front rank of iron masters ; where 
Olcott and King were great bankers ; where Pruyn was hon- 
orable in the exercise of his public-spirited interest and gen- 
erous hospitality ; where Meads was known and honored for 
his courteous and cultivated dignity; a city which holds 
many another distinguished naine on its roll of worthies. It 
is the city that gathers to itself the legislators, the lawyers 
and the judges of the greatest State of the Union. It is the 
city of the Dudley Observatory, the Albany academies, and 
St. Agnes' school and the schools of law and medicine. We 
have come to have this city for our own. Let us adorn it 
with memorials ; with imitations of the virtues of the past ; 
with their perpetuation ; and with the carrying on into the 
future, of the blessings of which we are the heirs. It is a 
legitimate love, this love of city, by all scriptural precedents, 
by all historic antecedents, by all eternal anticipations. The 
eyes and feet of all Israel made pilgrimage to the fair place 
of the Hill of Zion, where lay the City of the Great King. 
The round world has revolved about the cities of Rome 
and Constantinople and Alexandria. At the very name of 
city, the hearts and memories of men turn to Venice and 
Florence and Edinburgh, the pearls of the Adriatic and the 
Arno, and the home of Scott and Burns. And more than 
all, the outlook of St. Augustine's dream, of St. John's vision 
and of every Christian's hope is the " Civitas Dei;" "the 
City of pure gold ; " " the City that hath foundations," whose 
Builder and Maker is God. 

145 



UNION BAPTIST SERVICES. 

The union services at the First Baptist church were 
largely attended. The edifice was handsomely deco- 
rated, flags being placed about the gallery and the 
organ loft. The platform was ornamented with cut 
flowers and potted plants. Seated on it were the 
pastor, Rev. S. T. Ford ; Rev. Albert Foster, of the 
Tabernacle Baptist; Rev. Mr. Round, of the Bath 
Baptist church, and Rev. John Jaeger, of the German 
Baptist church. A letter of regret was read from Rev. 
Dr. King, of the Emmanuel Baptist church. The 
musical programme was elaborate and well-rendered. 
The memorial sermon was delivered by Rev. Albert 
Foster. He spoke as follows : 

Now shall it be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought ? 
— Numbers, 23-24. 

Not the least significant feature in the religious services of 
this day is the fact that they are shaped to some extent by 
the recommendation of civic authorities. It is a fitting 
recognition of the debt which our city owes her churches. I 
am glad that the reUgious aspect of this Bi-centennial has not 
been overlooked. I fail to see how it could be, and the his- 
torical integrity of the occasion still be preserved. It is no 
compliment or bit of deference which invokes the services of 
the difterent religious societies, but the fact that these socie- 
ties stand vitally related to the two hundred years of growth. 
What Albany would be to-day had there been no churches 
we shall not assume to say. Fidelity to truth demands, how- 
ever, that we give them a large place in our attempt to trace 
the sources of its present prosperity. As a people we have 
never regarded a union of church and State with the least 
allowance. We have felt, and justly too, that such a union 
would cause both civil and religious interests to suffer. But 
we are wise enough, I trust, to discriminate between a State 
religion and a State built on religion which is a vastly difter- 
ent thing. We do not need a religious establishment; we 
do not need even that the name of the Supreme Being should 

146 



appear in our constitution ; but we do need that the authority 
of that Being shall be recognized as supreme, and His super- 
vision of our affairs gratefully acknowledged. As Baptists, we 
meet to-night to rehearse the part we have been permitted 
to play in our city's history. This is no time for self-glorifi- 
cation. It were better not to dwell on either past or present 
unless we can do it in the right spirit. I remember that 
once in the centuries gone by a famous heathen king, filled 
with the pride that so often revels in statistics, looked proudly 
round on his superb palaces, hanging gardens and other 
works of art projected on a scale of splendor unknown 
before, and as he looked he said: " Is not this great Babylon 
that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might 
of my power and for the honor of my majesty ? " And while 
the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from 
heaven saying: " Oh, King Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is 
spoken, the kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall 
drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the 
beasts of the field ; they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen 
till seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the 
Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to 
whomsoever He will." We shall do well to heed the im- 
pressive warning from that far off" age — a warning always 
timely, and addressing itself to the ear of churches, no less 
than to the ear of nations and kingly despots. Rather let 
us find the key-note of this occasion in the words we have 
chosen for the text. Surveying the tokens of good in past 
and present, and accepting them as pledges of a still brighter 
future, let us cry with the ancient seer on his mount of 
vision : " Now shall it be said of Jacob and of Israel, What 
hath God wrought ? " How do Baptists stand related to 
the best growth of this city ? What contributions, however 
shght, have they made to its progress? These are the ques- 
tions which, in the very nature of things, can never be fully 
answered. The brief outline of history that I shall trace to- 
night will suggest far more than it can possibly disclose. As 
a denomination, Baptists in Albany are a comparatively 
recent growth. If longevity be the crowning distinction of 
religious Hfe, let it be freely confessed that we have little of 
which to boast. To my mind it is of vastly greater import- 
ance to be able to say that we have lived well since we began 
to live, than that we have lived a long while. I have neither 
sympathy nor patience with the attempt so often made to 

147 



trace our denominational existence back to the days of the 
apostles. What difference does it make whether we were 
born yesterday or the day before ? Our principles are ap- 
ostolic and that is all we need care for. Denominations may 
come and go ; the names of sects change or pass away, but 
the living truth abides, it is here to stay. Of course there 
was Baptist life in Albany prior to Baptist organization, since 
life of whatever sort always antedates organization. Unfor- 
tunately, however, life at this stage attracts little attention 
and hes almost, if not altogether outside the province of the 
historian, hence we have no means of ascertaining to what 
extent it made itself felt. Not till the year 1810 was a Bap- 
tist society formed. The ground had long been preoccupied 
by those whose views differed from ours, and who by force 
of temperament and conviction combined clung to their 
views with unswerving tenancity — a tenacity which I am far 
from alleging as cause for reproach. A little band number- 
ing ten came together and opened a room for public wor- 
ship. Their names were Joshua A. Burk, Salem Dutcher, 
John Gray, William Penrey, Charles Boyington, Tamer 
Page, Betsey Burk, Catherine Gordon, Margaret Jones, 
Elenor Penrey. At a meeting held in Uranian hall, on the 
26th of December, 1810, they elected trustees and formed 
the " First Baptist Society of Albany." It would seem that 
they encountered sharp opposition from the start. But they 
were none the worse off for that. It is written of the Israel- 
ites that the more the Egyptians oppressed them the more 
they multiplied and grew. Opposition is annoying, but it 
is apt to stimulate growth. In January 23, 181 1, the ten 
persons already mentioned, together with eleven others who 
had joined them, were formerly recognized as the " First 
Baptist Church of the City of Albany," the venerable mother 
of us all, in whose edifice, as historic fitness demands, we 
hold this service to-night. For a short time the young 
organization worshipped in a little building on the southeast 
corner of North Pearl and Orange streets, then for several 
years meetings were regularly held in a school-house rented 
from the Methodists; but at last, in 1818, the Green street 
theatre was purchased, and having been remodelled, was 
formally dedicated to the worship of God January i, 1819. 
About thirty- two years were spent in this building. At the 
end of that time it had either grown too small for its mem- 
bership or Its location had ceased to be desirable, so it was 

148 



sold, and by a strange freak of fortune restored to its origi- 
nal use, and became a theatre once more. Under the lead- 
ership of Rev. Reuben Jeffrey, the present edifice was erected 
on the corner of Philip street and Hudson avenue at a cost 
of $26,000. The first sixteen years of church life in Green 
street do not seem to have been specially prosperous. In 
the exceeding brevity of the pastorates there is evidence that 
the field was regarded as beset with great discouragements. 
With undaunted courage and fidelity the little church strug- 
gled on despite the fact that as late as the year 1827 it did 
not number 200 members. But brighter days were in store. 
The heroic faith of the men and women to whom we owe so 
much was destined to triumph. Never yet did man endure 
"as seeing him who is invisible" without receiving " great 
recompense of reward." In 1827 the church called to its 
vacant pulpit a young man who, for two years previous, had 
been pastor of a little church at Catskill. His name was 
Bartholomew T. Welch. His coming to Albany marks an 
era in the history of Baptists. From that coming dates an 
almost uninterrupted course of prosperity. As one to whose 
researches I am largely indebted in the preparation of this 
sermon, has well said : " His rare enthusiasm was contagious. 
His marvelous pulpit power became quickly known and 
commanded universal recognition, not to say admiration. 
The Baptist church was lifted into a prominence it had not 
known. The congregations were greatly increased. Many 
attracted by the personal gifts of the speaker, were led by the 
spirit of God to yield to the power of the message he 
preached. The church steadily increased from year to year 
in numbers and influence, until in 1834 it numbered 327 
members, a large church for those days." The brilliant min- 
istry of this gifted man will be cherished in lasting remem- 
brance by Albany Baptists. But the church was not spoiled 
by the period of prosperity and power on which it had 
entered. No better evidence of that is needed than the fact 
that it was just at this time that it began to agitate the ques- 
tion of enlarging the borders of the Baptist camp. Both 
pastor and people were impressed with a solemn sense of 
responsibility in the matter. They had not become the 
prey of that selfish ambition which so often seizes both 
churches and ministers — the ambition to develop a mam- 
moth organization, which becomes positively unwieldly by 
reason of its own bulk. The question of forming a new 

149 



church soon came up for decision. After various prelimi- 
naries, to which I shall not refer, since I am to deal with 
Baptist churches in general, rather than with any particular 
church, letters were granted to one hundred and twenty- 
three persons to go out and form a new interest. With this 
company went the pastor. Rev. Dr. Welch. In the meantime 
the Vanderheyden palace, as it was called, with adjacent 
lots on Pearl street, had been purchased, and the corner- 
stone of the new church edifice was laid in July, 1833. 
In October of the following year it was dedicated, and in it 
for thirty-six years the " Pearl street church " worshipped 
with no abatement of power or usefulness. The facile pen 
of Rev. Dr. King has recently put the record of those years 
into permanent form. In 1871 the church removed from 
Pearl street into the elegant and commodious edifice which 
it now occupies on State street, above Swan, built at an 
expense of about $200,000. Of course, the change in loca- 
tion necessitated a change in name. " Pearl Street " was 
reluctantly given up and " Emmanuel " finally adopted. Going 
back now to 1842, we find that the old First church was 
again called on to undergo a separation. A number of per- 
sons severed their connection with it, and formed what was 
known as the "South Baptist church." It seems to have 
had a struggling existence from the start, and at the end of 
seventeen years disbanded. Despite the brevity of its exist- 
ence and the difficulties it encountered, which finally culmi- 
nated in its disruption, we have reason to believe that great 
good was accomplished. An evangelistic movement in 
1840, started in the Pearl street church, with the assistance 
of Elder Jacob Knapp, had resulted in large accessions to 
all the churches, and partly in consequence of this move- 
ment a number of persons felt constrained to organize, in 
1846, the " State Street Baptist church." Through the gen- 
erosity of Mr. William Newton and Mr. S. M. Fish, a house 
of worship was built, which was sold to the Calvary church 
in 1865. In the manual of the latter church, I find this 
item with reference to the State street church : " Under the 
labors of Elders Knapp, Swan and others many were con- 
verted, but from various causes the strength of the church 
had greatly declined, and it was finally deemed expedient to 
dissolve its organization in anticipation that a considerable 
proportion of the members that remained would join the 
Calvary church, which had purchased the house." Under 

150 



the ministry of Rev. Wm. Hague, D. D., the Pearl street 
church developed a strong interest in missions and church 
extension. Three missions were established at different 
points throughout the city. Of these the German mission 
was the first started. In 1854, Rev. J. G. Oncken, the Bap- 
tist aposde of Germany, visited this mission, baptized nine 
converts, and in the autumn of the same year the German 
Baptist church was organized. For a number of years its 
pastor was supported by the Pearl street church, but it has 
long become self-sustaining and freed from debt, is doing 
excellent work under its present pastor, Rev. John Jaeger. 
North Broadway was another of the missions opened by the 
Pearl street church under the ministry of Dr. Hague. A 
Sabbath school was started in Burt's building, on Broadway, 
and was soon afterward transferred to the State arsenal. Rev. 
J. B. Morse was appointed to labor on this field. An en- 
thusiastic band of workers co-operated with him. Of these 
George Dawson became the recognized chief, his presence 
giving inspiration to every movement and his wise, far- 
sighted counsel paving the way to success. The mission 
grew rapidly. Rev. Mr. Morse having left it in 1858, in the 
following year Rev. J. D. Fulton was invited to assume the 
supervision of the field, and with the view of initiating a 
church organization. On the 12th of November a council 
was called, the "Tabernacle Baptist church" was duly 
recognized, and took its place among the sisterhood of 
churches. A missionary chapel had already been built on 
North Pearl street, and this the young organization occupied, 
enlarging it as occasion required, and worshi[)ped there till 
1877, when it moved into its new house on the corner of 
Ten Broeck street and Clinton avenue, which it now occu- 
pies, grateful to God for the measure of prosperity it enjoys. 
In 1858, a union movement led to the establishment of reli- 
gious services in the Townsend park. These developed into 
a Sunday school, held in a grain store on Washington 
avenue near Knox street. Out of this grew the Washington 
Avenue Baptist church, which was organized on the i6th of 
February, i860. Under this name the church passed five 
years of varying experience, but on the whole its con- 
dition must have been prosperous, for at the end of that 
time, feeling the need of better accommodations, it 
puichased the house of the State street church, adopting then 
the name of the " Calvary Baptist church." Under that 



151 



name it rapidly grew to be one of the strongest churches in 
the city. In 1880 it tore down the old building and erected 
on its site the handsome, commodious structure in which it 
now worships. As an outgrowth, perhaps, of the missionary 
movement under Dr. Hague, " The Albany Baptist Mission- 
ary Union" originated in 1863. It was composed of dele- 
gates from all the churches. During its active existence of 
twenty years it did a vast amount of good, establishing 
missions at Paigeville, Bath, Greenbush, Kenwood, Madison 
avenue and North Albany, at the same time doing not a 
little to develop the benevolence and activity of the churches. 
A history of Baptist work in Albany would be incomplete 
without some reference to the African churches, unhappily 
now extinct. Two were formed at different times. The 
first started in 1820, and was known as the "Albany African 
Church Association." Its edifice was located on Hamilton 
street between Grand and Fulton streets. In 1825 it took 
the name of the " First African Baptist Society." In 1869 
its property was sold to the Roman Catholics. The second 
African church was organized in 1870, but from lack of 
support was discontinued in a very few years, and its house 
on Chestnut street, near Dove, sold to the Christian church, 
and is now occupied by it. Thus in barest outline have I 
sketched the history of our Baptist churches in Albany. 
From a very humble beginning we have grown, by the 
blessing of God, into a strong and prosperous body, with an 
aggregate membership of nearly 2,500. In all that has 
pertained to the welfare of this good old city during the 
past seventy-five years, Baptists have borne their part. Com- 
mercial, mechanical, poUtical, legal, hterary, scientific inter- 
ests have all received contributions from them Many of 
their representatives have been honored citizens as well as 
useful church members. Among these were Friend Hum- 
phrey, Ira Harris, Eli Perry, George Dawson and a host of 
others, many of whom are still with us. In the Baptist 
pulpit of Albany have stood men whose power has been 
recognized and felt throughout our land, men like Wayland 
and Welch, and Ide and Hague, and Jeffrey and Fulton, 
and Lorimer and Magoon, and Bridgman and Peddie. For 
its beautiful " Rural cemetery " Albany is indebted to the 
eloquent appeals and stimulating counsel of a Baptist 
preacher. And here, perhaps, I might well close this hur- 
ried sketch. But there is another side to the history of these 



152 



years — a side which must he largely in the realm of the 
unwritten, to which I cannot refrain from referring. I 
remember that the best part of the work of either a man or 
an organization is that which can never be gathered up and 
presented in statistics. The distinction between power and 
influence, as emphasized by Dr. Lord in one of his historical 
lectures, is very just and discriminating. He says : " Influ- 
ence never passes away, but power is ephemeral. Theolo- 
gians, poets, philosopher, great writers, have influences and 
no power ; railroad kings and bank presidents have power, 
but not necessarily, influence. Saint Augustine in a little 
African town had more influence than the bishop of Rome. 
Rousseau had no power, but he created the French revolu- 
tion. Socrates revolutionized Greek philosophy, but he had 
not power enough to save his life from unjust accusations." 
Baptist power during these years had not been inconsider- 
able. Let us hope, however, that Baptist influence has far 
exceeded it. If we have been true to our opportunities, 
what great and lasting influence should principles hke ours 
exert on this community. We believe in a regenerated 
church membership, and the working out of that principle 
ought to contribute vastly to the public honesty, integrity 
and purity. We believe in the Scriptures as the only author- 
itative standard of faith and practice, and that ought to 
bring to the discharge of every public trust a sense of obli- 
gation imperative, exalted, intelligent, calling sacred convic- 
tions to the front and trampling mere whims and impulses 
under foot. Furthermore, we beHeve in soul liberty or the 
right and duty of every man to interpret God's word for 
himself, and that ought to keep alive in the public heart a 
love of the holiest freedom, and make each man as mindful 
of his brother's rights as of his own. Let me say in conclusion 
that the thing in which Albany Baptists seem lacking at the 
present is missionary aggressiveness. We are in danger of 
forgetting that the words which God spake to the aged 
Joshua are apphcable to us : " There remaineth yet much 
land to be possessed." Since the decline of our Missionary 
union we have not done all that we might have done. If 
we are to hold our place among the rehgious forces of this 
city, we must keep pace with the demands its growth makes 
upon us. To our Baptist brotherhood I should like to say 
to-night what old Horace Greeley was wont to say to young 
men : " Go west ! " Not that any of our churches should 



153 



change their present location, but recognize that the drift of 
population is westward, and adjust their work with reference 
to it. There is a beautiful legend connected with the found- 
ing of Constantinople, which the Roman historian relates. 
With lance in hand the Emperor Constantine traced its 
boundary lines, and continued to take in so much space that 
his attendants ventured to observe that he had already 
exceeded the most ample measure of a large city. " I shall 
still advance," replied the emperor, " till he, the invisible 
guide who marches before me, thinks proper to stop." In 
like manner may Albany Baptists in days to come continue 
to live and work in absolute loyalty to the invisible guide 
who evermore goes before them. 



STATE STREET PRESBYTERIAN. 

One of the most interesting union services held in 
the city was that of the Presbyterian faith at the State 
street church. Adornment was not necessary, for the 
handsome church edifice was brilliant in its myriads of 
lights, and was crowded with devout and reverential 
parishioners. People flocked to the church very early, 
and long before the commencement of the services, the 
vast edifice was filled. The ushers had plenty to do, 
and the chancel platform was occupied by the Presby- 
terian divines of the city. The music was rich, and 
Organist Frank Van Derzee played the various selec- 
tions with skill and proficiency, lending an additional 
charm to the interesting services of the evening. The 
voices of the choir were well balanced, particularly the 
voices of the ladies, who sang with fervor and anima- 
tion that did not appeal in vain for a response from the 
large congregation. The singing, true to the congre- 
gational order, was an exceedingly pleasant phase of 
a most delightful union service. The selections of the 
evening were as follows : 

154 



Organist F. Van Derzee. 

Voluntary — Offertorium in C Lemmens. 

Offertorie — Fontaise Lemmens. 

Postlude Tielman. 

Chorister Mr. J. V. Burr. 

Rev. Horace C. Stanton preached eloquently. The 
sermon was appropos, filled with thoughtful reflec- 
tions, and was delivered with great force and effect. 
He chose for his text Isaiah Ixiii : 7. 

Isaiah Ixiii, 7: "I will mention the loving kindnesses of the Lord." 

Two hundred years their cloudy wings expand around us. 
And from the vantage ground of this memorable day we 
turn to survey the past. The history of every company of 
true worshipers of God, displays evidence of His love and 
overruling providence. And the annals of the great reli- 
gious bodies whose representatives are gathered here, unmis- 
takably exhibit the fidelity of the covenant God. We see 
the divine mind, divine might, divine iTiercy everywhere ; 
more than we see the mind or might of men. Brethren 
who might themselves have performed it more acceptably, 
have assigned to me the duty of presenting a brief sketch. 

THE ORIGIN AND GROWTH OF PRESBVTERIANISM IN ALBANY. 

A simple historical narrative is all that is expected at my 
hands. Of our Presbyterian churches, each one has a 
history sufficiently interesting to yield materials for a dis- 
course far more extended than can be given to the entire 
gioup. The necessity of brevity confines us to only the 
most salient points ; compels omission of many names hon- 
ored in our records, many events well worthy of rehearsal. 
In Albany first came the Dutch Reformed church (about 
1642), then the Lutheran. But, before 1760 a few families 
from the north of Ireland setded here, trained in the prin- 
ciples of the church of Scodand, and fond of their own forms 
of worship. Presbyterianism did not come sooner, because 
there were so few English speaking people. Albany was 
almost as Dutch as Holland itself There had not been an 
English sermon preached in its Reformed church previous 
to 1776. 

The first allusion to the Eirst Presbyterian church here, is in 
the minutes of the synod of New York and Philadelphia, May 



26, 1760. In 1762, the Presbyterian families solicited sub- 
scriptions to build a church. Mr. Hector Alison was the first 
Presbyterian minister known to have visited the place. The 
first edifice, built in 1776 and costing $7,000, was long called 
" The Presbyterian church of Albany." During the revo- 
lution it had financial struggles ; was recommended to the 
other churches for aid ; but, though without a pastor, it 
maintained its services. Of a candidate for the eldership, we 
read that the moderator of session, " examined into his 
acquaintance with the general doctrines of the Christian reli- 
gion, the sense in which he understood those that have been 
subjects of dispute, the nature and design of the sacraments, 
and the subjects to whom they should be administered, in 
view of the order, government and discipline of the church." 
Each elder had a particular district of the congregation 
assigned for his visitation, and must report upon it to the 
session. During the last century, part of each Sabbath was 
devoted to teaching the children the shorter catechism. The 
chief officer of the school was called the " Principal." Pre- 
vious to the sacrament, tokens were distributed by the elders 
to the persons expected to attend. When all were seated, 
and before the communion commenced, these tokens were 
collected. Thus, none disallowed by the session could par- 
take. Absentees from the sacrament were required to explain 
their absence. Disciphne was strict. Sometimes trials of 
offenders constitute a large portion of the business of the 
session at their monthly meetings ; most of the offenses being 
absence from church worship, violation of promises, profanity, 
Sabbath-breaking and the like. Session watched not only 
the people, but the preacher. A supply one Sabbath uttered 
what they deemed unsound doctrine ; and a committee of 
Session was appointed to draw up a statement to presbytery 
of the errors in that sermon. In 1786, session resolved that, 
" without special reasons," no marriage should be solemnized 
in the congregation without three several intimations given 
in public. The music was at first led by a precentor, and 
deep disgrace fell on several presuming individuals who 
aspired to this office without proper qualification. In 1803 
session received a petition for disuse of the psalms and intro- 
duction of the hymn books recommended by general assem- 
bly. There was strong opposition. When the petition was 
granted, some persons left the church. Then came a choir. 
Then the choir stood up when they sang. Then instru- 

156 



ments of music — the violin and flutes. Then professional 
singers. At each change, some of the good people took 
great offence. The name of Boyd is one which figures most 
prominently in the history of the church, both in session and 
board of trustees for five generations, from before the revo- 
lution to the present decade. The minutes of the trustees 
have been preserved perfect and unbroken for more than a 
hundred years. Some may interest: Resolved, " That the 
clerk get 3s. for making a publication of marriage, 6d. for 
every person christened, and that the price of burying under 
the church be ^T) fo'" ^.n adult, 30s. for a person under 14 
years." One duty of the sexton was " to see that chil- 
dren and servants behaved with decorum during service." 
The patroon had his choice of a pew. Prominent seats near 
the pulpit were appointed for the corporation, the governor, 
the minister, the elders and deacons. The first pastor was 
John McDonald, installed November, 1775, the annual 
income of the church being about $900. It was desirable 
to encourage contributions. The trustees resolved " That 
1,000 coppers be stamped 'church penny,' and placed in 
the hands of the treasurer for the purpose of exchanging with 
the congregation at the rate of 1 2 for one shilling, in order 
to add respect to the weekly collections." When the Albany 
presbytery was formed in 1790, John McDonald was first 
moderator. On leavmg the First church he gathered about 
him the nucleus of the United Presbyterian church on Lan- 
caster street. The Presbyterian church had already out- 
stripped the Lutheran, which had the start by more than half 
a century, and was fast gaining on the Dutch Reformed, 
which had a century of precedence. When the Rev. Elipha- 
let Nott was proposed as pastor, there was objection. Some 
talked of forming a new church. Said they wanted a min- 
ister who could " compose with accuracy ; speak correctly." 
But he succeeded as pastor and preacher. In 1801 a charity 
collection was taken, after sermon by Mr. Nott. Sum real- 
ized, $327; remarked as "the most liberal collection ever 
taken in the city." At this time the church noted Romanism 
and infidelity as especially threatening to our institutions. 
Attending the church were Alexander Hamilton and Aaron 
Burr. When Hamilton was killed by Burr, Dr. Nott 
preached his funeral sermon, directed against duelling. It 
gave the author wide celebrity. Dr. Nott's subsequent 
career as an educator is well known. In 181 7, a committee 



157 



was appointed to purchase for a minister's library books not 
exceeding in value $i,ooo — then a munificent sum. And 
the trustees procured the passage of a law allowing two 
chains to be stretched across the street at each end of the 
church, to keep vehicles from passing during service. These 
remained there fifteen years. In June, 1827, a number were 
dismissed to the church in Greenbush, organized about this 
time. When the Presbyterian edifice was improved, in 1831, 
it was called " the most elegantly finished church in the 
city." In December, 1 83 1, the " Fifth Presbyterian church " 
was organized ; but three years later it became extinct. The 
most noted pastor of the First church was Dr. John N. 
Campbell. During his pastorate at Washington, he had 
President Jackson among his hearers, and was a frequent 
visitor at the president's house. He had regal presence, 
urbane manners, intellectual acuteness, knowledge of human 
nature, tact in governing, great decision. His sermons 
short, simple, scriptural, were delivered with " force and 
grace." In his church he was called " the pope," and he 
was a man of mark in community and state. In 1846, when 
it was necessary to build a new edifice, there arose contro- 
versy. Some withdrew and organized the Congregational 
church on Eagle street. But the First church survived the 
trial, grew in numbers and influence. Dr. Campbell was 
pastor thirty-four years, and his death produced a profound 
impression. The legislature adjourned in token of respect ; 
the highest officials in the commonwealth stood beside his 
bier. In 1866 a school was estabHshed on Alexander street 
for the religious instruction of the neglected children in that 
part of the city. Thus new missionary activity was devel- 
oped. Of this church's thirteen pastors, most have been 
scriptural, scholarly, popular and devoted to the cause. 
Some have been distinguished. Spiritually its growth has 
been gradual, healthful. At times, revival blessings ; gener- 
ally in a way quiet, not demonstrative. It has always had in 
it men of culture and professional eminence. It has sent off 
members to form at least seven other churches. Here was 
a typical Presbyterian spirit in this old church ; with its love of 
knowledge, zeal for orthodoxy, respect for the Sabbath, and 
faithful maintenance of worship; guarding of the sacred mar- 
riage tie, early instruction of the children in the doctrines of 
the word, stability in government, and exemplary oversight of 
the congregation by the elders ; its missionary enterprise, 

158 



generosity in giving, and the system in its beneficence ; while 
all things were done decently and in order. We have 
spoken thus at length of the First church for the intrinsic 
interest of the history itself, and because for fifty-five years 
its history was the history of Presbyterianism in Albany. 
Newly located in the best portion of our city, in her new 
edifice, a monument to the energy and self-sacrifice of her 
pastor, the Rev. Walter D. Nicholas, she seems to have 
assured her future. The mother of us all has renewed her 
youth. We love our mother, and we bid her hail. 

As the numbers of Presbyterians so increased that the First 
church could not accommodate them all, the Second church 
was organized about 1813, most of those who composed it 
being of New England stock. The original members were 
forty-four. The first twelve years were marked by spiritual 
and temporal prosperity under Dr. John Chester, a man 
courtly, evangelical, sympathetic, peculiarly a friend of the 
poor. But in 1827 his health failed. After sermon he 
invited the congregation to sing " Jesus, lover of my soul," 
in which his voice joined with the voices of his flock ; then 
tendered his resignation. With generous loyalty, honorable 
to him and them, the church declined it ; and gave him leave 
of absence for a year, an illustration of Presbyterianism 
toward a noble but disabled pastor. But soon he died, and 
was widely mourned. Among the distinguished people 
wont to attend his ministry was the statesman De Witt 
Clinton, who died soon after. For a time the pulpit was 
supplied by Dr. Edward N. Kirk, of great acceptance 
and popularity. In 1829 a call was given to Dr. Wm. B. 
Sprague, who with characteristic delicacy declined to accept 
it until he had preached to the congregation and was satisfied 
of their unanimity. His ministry was notable for its dura- 
tion and success. A pulpit orator of commanding stature, 
fine creative gifts, graceful flow of thought, he always had a 
gospel message suited to audience and occasion, and impres- 
sively delivered. During the remodeling of their own edi- 
fice, the congregation, by invitation from the Third church, 
occupied their place of worship a portion of each Sabbath. 
But, with a spirit of generous courtesy, on returning to their 
own sanctuary, they presented to the Third church a sum 
sufficient to entirely pay off an encumbrance then resting upon 
the latter. In January, 1868, at the request of the Spring 
Street Mission school, the Second church took charge of 



159 



that mission. A committee was selected to rear an edifice. 
Chiefly through the efibrts of the chairman, Mr. Albion 
Ransom, Sprague chapel was erected. Somewhat later the 
mission became a church, with a pastor of its own. But 
after a fair trial, it was deemed wiser to keep it up simply as 
a mission Sunday school. So a large, efficient school has 
been maintained thereever since. Under Dr. Sprague came 
repeated seasons of revival, with constant growth. Thus he 
went in and out before Israel forty years. In 1869, rich in 
honor, he retired, and his church gave him an annuity of 
$2,000 a year for life. Of all the accomplished men who have 
occupied the Presbyterian pulpits of our city, he was the 
writer of most celebrity. His published works are many. 
His successor, Dr. Anson J. Upson, installed in 1870, a 
ripe scholar in English literature and an experienced teacher 
of rhetoric before he was ordained, became by seemingly 
easy transition, an acceptable pastor, an elegant and effect- 
ive preacher. His ministry of a decade was strong and 
successful, and he left behind him in our city the impression 
of a life white and pure. Then, in 1881, came Dr. James 
H. Ecob, who both as preacher and temperance Avorker has 
shown himself brilliant and courageous — a beloved brother. 
The Second church has been noted for the sustained ability 
of its ministry. In its pews have always been many of its most 
influential citizens, representing the best families of the 
denomination. Central in position, its sanctuary is the most 
popularplace for union meetings of the Presbyterian fold. 
To apeculiar extent it has shown spirit of hospitality toward 
the other churches. And, though very conservative, it is 
well known for its great liberality and generous public spirit. 
The Third or Clinton Square church was organized in 
181 7, when to form it a number of members from the First 
church united with the Associate Reformed church, a 
society traced back to 1796. The immediate occasion was 
the desire of the persons who composed it to enjoy the min- 
istry of the Rev. Hooper Cumming. After preliminary pro- 
ceedings through committees, all of whose actions were to be 
void miless Mr. Cumming could be secured, the new church, 
amid great popular interest, was ushered into life. The 
man most prominent in it seems to have been Hugh Hum- 
phrey, through a period of nearly fifty years, amid many 
vicissitudes, ever proving himself its fast friend. A call was 
given to Mr. Cumming, with the unprecedented salary of 

160 



$2,ooo a year. Some time before, he, with his accomplished 
wife, had been viewing the Passaic falls, when she fell and met 
instantaneous death — a terrible shock to the husband by her 
side. Before he was installed in his new church there came 
charges of plagiarism, hints at intemperance and falsehood 
— in declaring the chancellor of the State had compared his 
manuscript with Toplady and acquitted him of plagiarism, 
Presbyterian trial followed with intense popular excitement 
and his character was evidently suffering. When he came 
upon the stand the moderator, Dr. Nott, declined to admin- 
ister the oath on the ground that he was insane. Mr. Gum- 
ming in his defence showed himself to be a highly-gifted, cul- 
tivated man, who could write his sermons even if he did not. 
He asked to be immediately installed, but in vain, for some 
of his oldest friends, among them his own father, while pro- 
ducing proof of the former correctness of his character, 
splendor of his abilities and loveliness of his diposition, took 
the ground that he had now, through the death of his wife, 
become partially deranged and needed the balm of sympathy 
rather than the rod of dicipline. Their views prevailed. 
He was allowed to withdraw from further connection with 
the Presbyterian. The Third church, at its own request, 
also was dismissed ; whereupon Mr. Gumming occupied its 
pulpit. His preaching attracted increasing numbers of 
intelligent, enthusiastic hearers. The old Bethel, on Mont- 
gomery street, was uniformly thronged. It was estimated 
that 1,500 persons attached themselves to his congregation. 
His popularity lasted with little diminution for six years, 
during which two hundred and seventeen persons joined his 
church on confession of faith, with evidence of genuine con- 
version But his genius was to madness near allied. That his 
mind was unbalanced became unmistakable. And his friends 
mournfully declared that " when he was in the pulpit it seemed 
as if he ought never to come out of it ; and when out as if he 
ought never to go in." He had by nature great endowments ; 
had received superb education ; was a finished orator ; pos- 
sessed dehcate susceptibility, cultivated in the most refined 
circles. But the shock of his reason was followed a little later 
by loss of health and death. His church waned. It was 
readmitted to Presbytery. Next followed five brief pastorates. 
Then, in 1837, Rev. E. A. Huntington was installed. In 
1844 the new house of worship was reared on Glinton 
square. Of refined and scholastic tastes. Dr. Huntington 

161 



enjoyed an acceptable, useful pastorate for eighteen years, 
then was called to a professorship at Auburn seminary, which 
he still holds. After him came that pupil and friend of Scot- 
land's illustrious Dr. Thomas Chalmers, Dr. Ebenezer Halley, 
brilHant in the pulpit and on the lecture platform, singularly 
gifted in prayer, widely read, rich in scripture. Of his noble 
traits and of those of the men who chose him for their pas- 
tor, sufficient evidence was given in the number of devoted 
friends he found among them, whose attachment lasted 
through his life. On the conclusion of the fiftieth year of 
his ministerial labors, his friends gave him a memorable 
reception, at which some of the most prominent citizens of the 
State were present. After preaching here for nearly twenty- 
two years, he retired with an annuity for life, receiving also 
the chaplaincy of the State senate, which he retained until 
his death in 1881. This church contains many Presbyterians 
of Scotch antecedents, very loyal to their organization and 
very conservative, as shown by the fact that they have had 
but three pastors for a half a century. The movement of the 
currents of population away from the north-east part of 
Albany, renders the growth of churches in that section slow ; 
but the Third church has never had a larger membership 
than for two years past, during which time it has been twice 
what it was ten years ago. 

From it went a colony to form the West End church. 
April, 1869, Rev. Washington Frothingham started in the 
railroad shop at West Albany, a Sunday school of eleven 
scholars, preached the same day to an audience of twenty 
souls. Elder Austin H. Wells, of the Clinton Square church, 
took charge of this school for eleven years, the field being 
largely developed as a mission of that church. His success 
was such that Mr. William Wendell from the First church, 
Mr. Robert G. Wells from the Second, Mr. Austin H. Wells 
himself, and Mr. Archibald McClure from the State Street 
church, were appointed by the Presbyterian Sunday school 
Union, a committee to build a chapel. This they did at a 
cost of $8,000, raised mostly from churches which they repre- 
sented. In 1877 there was a revival with encouraging results. 
June 3d, 1878, in response to a petition, Presbytery organized 
the "West End church," with forty-five members, most of 
whom came in one strong colony from the church on Clinton 
square. November, 1878, Rev. Robert Ennis became pastor. 
During his diligent, devoted ministry of five years the mem- 

162 



bership grew three-fold, with like growth in the school. 
March, 1884, Rev, Oliver Hemstreet, the present pastor, was 
installed, through whose efficient labors there has been still 
furtherin crease. This church is composed largely of men 
connected with the New York Central railroad, superintend- 
ents, engineers, skilled mechanics, men trained to punctuality, 
reliable, decided in their convictions, warmly interested in 
their church. Though the youngest off-shoot from the 
Presbyterian stock, it is also one most vigorous and the 
waves of population pouring toward it must make it continu- 
ally stronger. Already a larger auditorium is required, and 
the chapel is to be enlarged this very season. We speak 
briefly of the younger churches, as their history, in each 
case that of symmetrical, speedy growth, needs no great 
detail. 

The Fourth church was organized February 2, 1829, with 
a membership of fifty-five, nearly all from the Second church. 
The first pastor. Dr. E. N. Kirk, was long remembered for 
his eloquence and the beauty of his Christian character — a 
man of most lovely disposition and great devotion to the 
Master. The congregation worshipped in a room on Lum- 
ber street, then in the chapel of the First Reformed, hos- 
pitably offered until their own edifice was built in 1830. 
From the first the church had large accessions, and in 1833 it 
it numbered six hundred souls. It has been composed of 
gentlemen in the lumber business, or other commercial pur- 
suits, substantia] men accustomed to work and give. Of its 
eight pastors, Dr. Henry DarHng, installed in 1864, and re- 
maining seventeen years, was probably the one who left on 
it the most marked impress. Indefatigable, a good preacher, 
an assiduous pastor, a leading ecclesiastic, he administered its 
affairs with tact and power. In 1865 its growth compelled 
the erection of the present stately edifice, containing many 
elements, which, under other hands, would have tended to 
disintegration under his sway, it stood strong as the Old 
Guard of Napoleon, its influence felt in all the general reli- 
gious activity of our city. The one conspicuous fact of its 
history is that throughout almost its entire career it has 
enjoyed steady, striking prosperity. For many years, till the 
tides of population flowing westward forbade further growth, 
the Fourth church, claiming a membership of 700, a Sunday 
school roll of equal size, and raising over $20,000 a year, 
was the most magnificent Presbyterian organization in our 

163 



city. It is one of the two largest churches of the Presby- 
tery still. 

THE SIXTH CHURCH. 

From the Fourth church sprang the Sixth. Elder John 
S. Smith, of the Fourth was the means of bringing the Sixth 
into existence. December i, 1855, he started a prayer 
meeting in Lumber street. This grew into a Sunday school 
then was organized as a mission enterprise. In 1859 Mr. 
James Hendrick, with a large corps of teachers, from the 
Fourth, instituted a thorough visitation of the neighborhood, 
which gave the work a lasting impetus. In the fall of 1867 
at an enthusiastic meeting in the Fourth, it was resolved that 
the time for a church organization had come. Some gentle- 
men pledged themselves for $1,000 apiece to build an edi- 
fice. And a total of $25,000 was raised from the Fourth 
church for this purpose. December 31, i860, the new 
church was formed with sixty-five members, most of them 
by letter from the Fourth. The first pastor, the Rev. A. H. 
Dean, was prominently instrumental in gaining a congrega- 
tion and securing the erection of the sanctuary — dedicated 
November, 1871. Then came the faithful ministry of the 
Rev. William Durant, installed in 1873. There were steady 
accessions at almost every communion ; and he organized 
the church with great thoroughness, equipping it for every 
department of activity. The original subscriptions had not 
covered all expense of building, so the congregation were op- 
pressed with debt. By diligent solicitation among the other 
Presbyterian churches of the city, all which were heartily 
sympathetic, he raised the whole, about $18,635, and almost 
the entire amount was paid within fifteen days after the 
subscriptions were completed. Had he done nothing else, 
this alone would have made his pastorate to be remembered. 
Next, in December, 18S2, came the present pastor, the 
Rev. John D. Countermine, whose ministry has been 
marked by energetic, successful efforts to preach the gospel 
in attractive ways, so men may be drawn to the house of 
God. Church and school have both increased. As this 
field is largely unoccupied by other evangelical churches, 
its sky is full of promise. 

GROWTH OF THE STATE STREET CHURCH. 

The State Street church grew out of a meeting held in the 
Second church, November 5, 1859. ^^ ^ result of which, 

164 



a little later, the First, Second and Clinton Square churches 
appointed each three members, making a committee of nine, 
to consider the expediency of building still another Presby- 
terian church. They reported that the Ninth and Tenth 
wards of the city contained about 18,500 souls, to accom- 
modate whom there were church sittings for only about 
1,900 persons, and recommended the erection of an edifice 
capable of seating at least 1,000 persons, with suitable rooms 
for Sunday schools and social worship. A committee of 
fifteen carried these recommendations into efiect ; secured 
a lot and built the present edifice. The first service of the 
new society was held in the German Lutheran church on 
State street, now the Albany law school. Sermon by Dr. 
Sprague, " Despise not the day of small things." Services 
were continued Sabbath evenings, until the Sunday school 
room in the new church could be occupied. March, 1861, 
the ecclesiastical organization was effected with forty-two 
members, nearly all from the Second church, a few from the 
First and Third. The first sacrament was administered by 
Dr. Joseph T. Duryea. The corner-stone was laid July, 

1861, Dr. Halley making the address. During the five 
years' pastorate of the Rev. A. S. Twombley, installed June, 

1862, and the three years' pastorate of the Rev. George C. 
Heckman, installed November, 1867, the church grew strong. 
Its Sunday school was also vigorous. Then from June, 
187 1, it had six flourishing years under the Rev. John James, 
D. D., a man of Scotch birth and breeding, positive char- 
acter, decided influence in many ways. An able preacher, he 
did good work for Christ. In June, 1877, was installed the 
present pastor, who had received the highest recognition 
from the Reformed denomination before entering the Pres- 
byterian body. The record of his fruitful pastorate needs 
no rehearsal. The history of this church requires few words ; 
but they are pleasant to utter and to hear. From the begin- 
ning, its career has been marked by spiritual thrift, energy, in- 
creasing numbers, abundance of financial resources, pros- 
perity of every kind and widening waves of influence. It is 
the strongest evangelical church in Albany. Taken as a 
whole, in eUgibility of location, splendor and commodiousness 
of sanctuary, its pulpit, its membership of over eight hundred, 
its school of nine hundred, the completeness of its organiza- 
tion, its benefactions, Presbyterianism can point to no more 
thoroughly representative church in all northern New York. 

165 



We are proud of the State Street church. Its history is 
brief; but its future shall be great. This is a family reunion 
to-night. We may speak with a degree of freedom. " The 
Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad." 
Of the men connected with the Presbyterian churches here 
in Albany, at least six became moderators of the general 
assembly. 

Of the First church, three successive pastors attained this 
honor, Drs. Nott, Romeyn, Neill. The Second church sent 
Dr. Chester. Dr. McCauley, who went from the Third 
church to the ministry, was likewise honored. From the 
Fourth church went Dr. Darling. We have had forty-three 
pastors or stated supplies, their average length of service 
being nearly eight years and five months. They were men 
as ready for intellectual strife, if needful to defend the truth, 
as any in the ages dead. At our altars the line of priests 
and Levites has not failed. And the roll of our ministry 
has contained many distinguished names. Omitting details 
of the status of each church, as these may be gathered from 
the assembly's minutes, accessible in every pastor's study, 
we note in general that in 1885 we received on confession 
158 souls, enough to make quite a church themselves. Our 
total of communicants is 3,200 ; Sunday school membership, 
3,300. Our church properties aggregate in value not less 
than $575,000. In 1885 we raised, for congregational ex- 
penses, $96,837; for beneficence, $36,172 ; total, $133,011. 
We are raising money at the rate of over $1,000,0000 every 
eight years. We have contributed to every important char- 
itable movement in the community. We have aided in 
sending the gospel to almost every land on earth. 

How many of our laymen are noted for their benificence ? 
It is a Presbyterian who now gives $50,000 to put up a 
building for the Y. M. C. A., and who, a little while ago, 
just north of our city limits, built a church worth $125,000. 
Upon our rolls stand names of men who have been privi- 
leged to give gold by handfuls to the cause of Christ. 
We cannot begin to mention them. Our Christian women 
are as ministering spirits, and the development of their activ- 
ity and beneficence is one of the proudest fruits of Presby- 
terianism. Our body has sent out theological professors, 
college presidents and professors, editors, authors, pastors, 
missionaries many. The history of God's people is a history 
of struggles ; but with us the struggles have been triumphant. 

166 



Our churches, from feeble beginnings have grown powerful, 
reached the sacred number seven. We are surpassed by no 
other evangelical body of this city in number and in strength. 
Throughout the entire fabric of Albany's existence for a 
century and a quarter, Presbyterian ism has been interwoven 
in strands of silver and gold. It is the patron of letters, 
friend of order and good government, teacher of philan- 
trophy. To our sister denominations of evangelical faith, 
who by our side have labored for like high ends, we offer 
Christian greeting and congratulate them upon their pros- 
perity. Their speech is the speech of Canaan ; they too are 
Sons of the Covenant — our brother tribes in Israel. " How 
goodly are thy tents, O Jacob and thy tabernacles, O Israel! 
As gardens by the river's side, as the trees of Hgnaloes which 
the Lord hath planted, as the cedar trees beside the waters ! " 

What spiritual blessings we have had ! From generation 
to generation, upon the cherub faces of our children has 
fallen the dew from the baptismal font. At these altars 
they have stood in youth to utter the sweet vows of marriage, 
and the solemn vows which consecrated them to God. In 
our hearts has been kindled the sacred and eternal fire. 
How many hallowed experiences to be remembered in 
eternity ! How many beautiful types of piety have by trials 
been developed ! Through varied dicipline that smote us 
sore, but wrought only for our good, God's providence 
flamed o'erhead. When our fathers and mothers lay a 
dying, from this earthly night they passed up through the 
portals of the dawn, to stand in the noonday radiance above. 
O, winged years, what lessons have you taught us of the 
goodness of our God ! 

In the by gone centuries many a worldly enterprise has left 
no sign. The parchment on which the Muse of History 
recorded it was thrown aside to perish. But, in the annals 
of God's church, no chapter can ever die. Of some years 
ir. our past there may be no extended record here. Nor is 
there record of life in an eagle's nest, save empty shells. 
But from them kingly birds have flown and are soaring 
round the sun. So in those years immortal spirits went up 
to God. On the eternal scrolls their names are written in 
letters of everlasting fire. Clothed are they in vestures of 
light, conquerers and crowned. To them the march of 
time brings joy. In historic Antwerp you sleep neath the 
shadow of the cathedral tower, where hang nine and ninety 

167 



bells in perfect chime. As the quarter hours steal away, 
these bells ring out in music that grows continually more 
sweet. At the first quarter it is beautiful, at the second 
more beauteous yet ; for the third more heavenly still, and 
when the hour is full they pour out most celestial strains of 
all to give it coronation. Above the deep voices of the 
vast bass bells the silvery singing of the others makes ecstatic 
music more and more divine. Holy lesson taught by that 
cathedral chime ! Joyous lesson to note the flight of time, 
not with sorrow but dehght ! Thus will we look back o'er 
the years ; for the ages sing of God. Thus do the heavenly 
intelligences mark times' flight ; not with sadness, but in- 
creasing rapture. Thus let us mark it till we hear the waves 
beat on the eternal shore. Then forever will we mark it 
thus, as the celestials do, in yon life that grows deeper, 
broader, without end. Bought with blood, though sinners 
once, they sin no more. As to Jacob fourteen years seemed 
a few days for his love to Rachel, so to them centuries are 
like summer days for their love to Christ, their hearts quiv- 
ering with the most subhme passion possible to man — love 
for the God who made him. As the un wasting cycles fly, 
their spirits leap with rapture that ever grows. And when 
all the memorials of this week of pageants have passed away, 
then and yonder shall be seen the work of Presbyterianism 
in our city — its monuments no bronze tablets along our 
streets, nor impulse to art and letters, nor mighty organiza- 
tion and sumptuous shrine, but hearts that are stamped with 
God's signet mark — the image of Christ forever. 

FIRST METHODIST CHURCH. 
At the First Methodist church an interesting pro- 
gramme was given at the union service in the evening. 
The church was handsomely decorated with ever- 
greens and flags, and the music was exceptionally 
good. Prayer was offered by Presiding Elder Gates, 
after which the audience had the pleasure of listening 
to the Rev. Dr. Mark Trafton, of Boston. His 
remarks were extemporaneous and related more to 
the foundation and elements of strength within the 
church. Following is an abstract of his remarks : 

1 68 



There are two lines of thought suggested by the occasion, 
phenomenal facts and philosophical results. When Freeboi n 
Garrettson started out on his mission he could not see the 
future. If* he could have lived and stood before the audi- 
ence last night, and seen the vast sea of faces he would have 
regarded it as a most impossible and fantastic dream. Gar- 
rettson and Jesse Lee started out. They could see ahead 
of them almost insurmountable obstacles in their way. When 
Lee walked upon the famous Boston common, the people 
thought him crazy. They understood notliing, and when 
Lee kneeled to the ground and prayed, such a prayer had 
never gone up from Boston to heaven ; and when he took 
from his pocket a little Bible, Boston heard the first sermon 
that generation had heard. The speaker related the incident 
of Lee's horse going through Harvard ; that is, the students 
took the horse through one door and out the other, saying 
they had graduated the doctor'shorse. Lee preached the first 
Methodist sermon in Maine. He related the great ability 
and perseverance of the Methodist servants. When the body 
of young Methodists entered Massachusetts they found the 
whole territory pre-empted. They thus had a great force 
to contend against. They found the whole country invested 
with Calvinism. Mr. Trafton is evidently a weak believer 
in foreordination. He said, in connection with the future 
of Methodism from Lee's point of view that it was certainly 
" doomed to success." The question arises, what was the 
element of the success that has made the Methodist church 
so successful. It was their doctrine to repudiate the idea of 
foreordination. God will never doom a few people to hell 
forever and a few more to heaven. There was the doctrine 
of regeneration. Their doctrines were what made the 
Methodist church the success it has. An element of power 
within the church is its sociaHty. They are social, agreeable, 
pleasant ; there is not that hard formality that was found in 
the old Puritan church. Extemporaneous preaching was 
another important element of success. They avoided notes ; 
they took from their pockets a little Bible and preached 
directly to the people. The idea of young theological 
students talking from notes. Horace Greeley said the 
Methodist church had literally sung itself into existence. 
This singing is another strong element. Methodism is not 
a conservative system. It is active, alive ; was begotten by 
pluck and energy, and only energy and grit can keep it 

169 



alive. The movement must be constant and onward. With 
much movement the Methodist creed wrill continue to ad- 
vance and finally be more great and powerful than now. 

Immediately following the close of Mr. Trafton's 
remarks, the Rev. Merritt Hulburd, of New York, 
spoke as follows : 

AN AMERICAN CHURCH. 

Having kept an interested eye on the arrangements of this 
city for the celebration of the Bi-centennial of its foundation, 
I could not fail to see the strife of certain denominations for 
precedence in the matter of recognition which they should 
receive on this, the churches' day. In this contest we, as 
Methodists, could have very little interest, and even as 
Albanians it was almost a matter of indifference, since we 
desire the recognition of the fact that our civilization is 
Christian, rather than that it should be used to bolster a sect 
or increase the importance of some local body. For while 
it is unmistakably true that we can never have too much 
of Christianity in the State in its legislation and administra- 
tion, we have a right to look with suspicion upon any attempt 
to ally the State by legislation or administration with any 
ecclesiastical body, and the distinction between Christianity 
and the church needs to be kept constantly before the public 
mind ; for they are neither identical nor conterminous. 
The one is the divine life in the world, operating on human 
hearts and lives, and as a body includes all who accept it 
and in whom it lives. The other exists under various forms 
and is of human invention, existing ostensibly for the pro- 
pagation of Christianity, embodying more or less of its prin- 
ciples and conforming to a greater or less degree to its spirit 
and teaching. The one is as water distilHng in clouds, fall- 
ing in rain, dimpling in lakes, rolling in rivers that gladden 
as they flow, rippling in rills that make the meadows green, 
glittering in ice fields, heaving in the mighty ocean that 
enisles the continents, but everywhere is one ; the other is 
the distributing reservoir, in which man would catch and 
detain it, or direct it into channels of his own choosing. 
The one is eternal, changeless, indestructible, universal ; the 
other grows in the midst of and is modified by times and 
cultivations, and with them may give place to others, and 
like them shall pass away. The one is light, resplendent 

170 



and abundant ; the other appears as windows, sometimes 
transparent, which conduct ; sometimes colored, that change 
and distort, and sometimes so nearly opaque as to obstruct it. 

Christianity, broad, blessed, illuminating and ujjlifting ; to 
it we owe the liberties we enjoy, and the institutions of which 
we are so justly proud. Talk of putting God into the con- 
stitution ? He is there already, and there to stay. His 
government is no weak confederacy, seeking recognition, or 
the compliment of His name on a debased coin. 

The nation is historically, structurally, organically Christ- 
ian. The materialistic philosopher who undertakes to solve 
the problems of history by isothermal lines and the use of 
globes, must of necessity find himself at loss to account for 
the perturbations which from time to time have occurred and 
the eccentricities in his historical orbit. 

To say, in one line, as a noted philosopher has done, 
" the instinctive propensity to drunkenness is a function of 
lattitude ; ." and in another that " the soggy and brutalizing 
atmosphere of northern Europe has been counteracted by 
its type of religion ; while the smiling lands that skirt the 
Mediterranean, under bluest skies and in serenest air, have 
grown an inferior civilization under other influences," is to 
expose his reasoning to ridicule, and to undermine his own 
theory. Without the Nile and its periodical inundations of 
that valley, 600 miles in length, Egypt and its wondrous 
history had been an impossibility ; but the Nile still flows as 
when hundred-gated Thebes stood in her grandeur, or 
scholars walked the obelisk-sentineled courts of Heliopolis ; 
but the scholar is gone and the glory has departed. Brutal- 
ized and degraded, the descendants of a once splendid race 
cower at the bases of the pyramids, and the " sick man of 
Europe " holds ignoble sway in the land. With climate as 
favorable, skies as propitious, and soil as fertile as when 
Rome, seated on her seven hills, and from " her throne of 
beauty ruled the world," there now the Lazaroni basks in 
the sun, and lazily swallows his macaroni, careless of to- 
morrow, and indifferent to the fact that Italy, once the school- 
mistress, is now the blockhead of the nations. 

Empires wax and wane, not as soils and seasons change, 
but in obedience to other and subtler laws, which it behoves 
nations and individuals to keep in mind. He who would 
read Divine Providence out of history, finds himself con- 
fronted by a vast range of unexplained and, by him, inex- 



171 



plicable phenomena. The territory of this continent was as 
providentially reserved as was Palestine ; and the people to 
inhabit and give character to its civilization were as truly 
" chosen in affliction " as was ancient Israel. A Danish 
antiquarian sets up the claim of the discovery of this conti- 
nent by adventurous Norsemen 900 years ago. That may 
be, but nothing came of it, and the world did not come to 
know of it. But the sea westward of Europe and Africa 
was still the mare tenebrosiDU — the dark sea. Columbus 
sailed westward, not seeking a new continent, but a new 
route to India, mistakenly supposing it to be a shorter way. 
Discovered in 1492, why was it so long before it was colon- 
ized ? The pope divided the new world between two of his 
most unscrupulous vassals, Spain and Portugal ; but the one 
had sought to crush the truth by the inquisition, and the 
other had banished the Bible and those who read it from 
her shores, and they could neither of them enter in. France, 
gory-handed from the slaughter of the Huguenots, would 
colonize it. But how ? Let the squallor, ignorance and 
unthrift in the province of Quebec, contrasted with the 
thrift, progressiveness and intelhgence of that of Ottawa, 
under the same government, make answer. Protestant 
Holland discovers and gives name to the most beautiful 
river of the western world, and is successful in laying the 
foundations of the commercial metropohs of the hemisphere 
and sets the stakes for the capitol city of the Empire State. 
But her territory was too narrow and her population too 
scanty for the broad lands to be peopled, and so England, 
populous, enterprising, brave, tenacious of purpose and 
ardent in the love of liberty is sifted to plant under dark 
skies, and on a rocky coast, the germs of a nation by puritan 
and pilgrim ; and from that a nation born in the cabin of the 
" Mayflower," and christened in a prayer meeting, a nation 
with the English Bible for a law book, and the charter of its 
liberties, became the custodian of that land designed by 
Providence to be the theatre of the last and highest develop- 
ment of civilization. Thus this nation was tutored into the 
estabhshment of the great principles of liberty in its infant 
stage. Instructed to reverence for God as the moral gov- 
ernor of the world, by the puritan independents of England; 
taught reUgious hberty by Roger Williams and the Baptists 
of Rhode Island, regard for social order and the institutions 
of rehgion by the Dutch Reformed and the Protestant 

172 



Episcopalians of New York, with the Presbyterians as staunch 
defenders of the day and word of God, the Quakers stand- 
ing for the rights of man in Pennsylvania and, strange to 
say, the Roman Catholics in Maryland for charity and reli- 
gious toleration, while in Delaware and the Carolinas the 
Huguenots sought, with industry and patience, the establish- 
ment of a Christian commonwealth. But the times change 
and new exigencies arise. All these denominations have 
done much, each in its own way, and have wrought worthily 
and well upon the structure of civilization and progress ; but 
we still look for an American church which shall demonstrate 
its conspicuous adaptation to the condition of the new 
nation. Congregationalism independency shows its adapta- 
tion to the Massachusetts colonies and still continues the 
dominant sect in New England, her town meetings with 
their moderators and clerks, are the adaptation to civil 
government of the church order. But she can do nothing 
for the south or the frontier, and even the adjoining State 
of New York proves uncongenial. There, however, the 
Dutch church is the conservator of public morals and the 
custodian of religion, while the consistory of the college of 
churches is imitated in the board of supervisors. Virginia, 
during its colonial period, had for its model the English 
parish, and traces of that government may still be discerned. 
But when these colonies become a free and independent 
nation, federated into a central government, what denomi- 
nation shall unify the religious government and adapt 
it to the new environment ? What shall be the religion 
that shall bind again this bundle of fasces into a unit ? The 
church must be created. It does not exist. Each existing 
organization is imported, and cannot easily be altered to suit 
the changed relations. A new organization, mobile, flexible, 
young, conforming to its environment, must appear. As runs 
the Hebrew parable, " When the tale of bricks is doubled 
Moses always appears." So, just at this juncture it comes. 
As a spiritual movement it has been abroad in the land for 
sixteen years, stirring up the people here and there. Loose 
and unorganized, it is only a voice crying in the wilderness. 
It is a force, but not yet harnessed to the machinery of society. 
It is as yet only a man on horseback. It has neither set up 
housekeeping nor set up a carriage. History, it had none, 
and, therefore, lost no time in hunting up precedents ; its theol- 
ogy, fluent and molten, had no grooves to run in, and there- 

173 



fore, spread quickly over the land. It had no theological 
seminaries and therefore was not divided into '• schools " of 
thought. It had " no language but a cry" and that it kept 
sounding through the land destitute of a polity, it was free 
to grow one indigenous to the soil, and could and did 
simultaneously with the republic develop a life which was 
suited to its home. Far removed from the despotism of the 
prelacy on the one hand, it was equally so from the 
irresponsible and disintegrating democracy of Congregation- 
alism. Without the cumbersome conservatism of the consis- 
tory, or the aristocratic government of a presbyterian form, 
it adopted whatever was fittest to survive of each and all, 
it rejected whatever would hinder its progress, and became 
the advance guard of the pioneer, and the counsellor of the 
statesman. With a centralization of power equal to that of 
Rome it could send its life-blood to invigorate the extremi- 
ties of the continent, while continuing ductile and flexible as 
Congregationalism, infringing no prerogative of the State it 
did not erect an " imperium in imperio," nor did it seek 
patronage or compromise for power. Speaking the language 
of the people and knowing their wants and sorrows, it has 
written heroic chapters of history in each decade of the past 
of America and proved itself a " helpmeet " indeed. 

Disciplined as carefully and drilled as thoroughly as 
Jesuitism, its system of propagandism reaches as far as that 
of Loyola, the watch-fires of its mission stations gleam from 
the Aroostook to Mount Hood and are reflected from the 
peaks of the Hawaii and then leaping the bounds of the 
hemisphere it has advanced upon distant shores, and now 
tells the story of the cross on the dark continent and in far 
Cathay. Its missionaries tell of the wonderful works of God 
in more languages than pentecost, and it has enrolled more 
converts ten tmies over in this country than the Christian 
church in a hundred years after the ascension of Our Lord. 

Essentially repubhcan, it corresponds most strikingly to 
the government of the nation, its bishops to the executive, 
but without the power of the veto in legislation, its triers of 
appeals to the Supreme Court, the general conference to 
congress, annual conference to state governments, districts 
to county organizations and the quarterly conference to the 
town and municiple rule. Thus we see the church and the 
State growing side by side mutually helpful, both having 
organic relation. 

174 



But again, we see the doctrinal system is also singularly 
adapted to meet the wants of the nation. " With a theology 
that — as Joseph Cook says — could be preached" proclaiming 
the universal fatherhood of God and the universal brother- 
hood of man, it was the mission of Methodism to declare a 
free salvation in a free land in opposition to the theory of a 
limited atonement which was substantially held by other 
denominations, the doctrine of the witness of the spirit 
stirred to the depths the hearts of men whose notions of 
religion had hitherto been oppressed with doubts and 
fears, and its converts made the hills and valleys ring with 
their new found joy. Entire sanctification seemed to promise 
dehverance from the power as well as the guilt of their sins. 

Such was the church which sprang into existence as an 
organized society in 1784, five years before the adoption 
of the federal constitution, and not one moment too soon, 
either, for when peace was declared, the nation, numljer- 
ing about five milHons, was burdened with an enormous 
debt, and war had demoralized the people. An exotic 
infideUty, imported from France, was loudly proclaiming 
that Christianity was hostile to human freedom, and some 
of the leaders of the people imbibed the monstrous doc- 
trine. Grateful for French assistance in the hour of the 
nation's need, French ideas were popular, and the pall of 
atheism seemed to be about settling upon the land. Floods 
of immigrants poured in, not now bringing, as the fathers 
did, their religious organizations with them ; but with notions 
of liberty which could ill brook control. The American 
people began to lose that homogeneity of character which 
the war had brought them. Lynch law usurped the place 
of statute, and the sparsely settled country was without 
schools or churches. 

How was it that this land did not find itself given over to 
the horrors of anarchy and civil war? I maintain that the 
answer is m the fact that there then began a great religious 
movement of which the Methodist Episcopal church was the 
most prominent agent which gave to the State at its formative 
period a moral and spiritual direction, and which impressed 
itself upon the laws and institutions of the land, the image of 
the heavenly. It has been sometimes captiously said that the 
Methodist church did not figure very creditably in the 
revolution. This may easily be so, since the church was 
not organized till after the war had closed, and the revival, 

175 



which had already begun, was manned entirely by preachers 
imported from England, the second one of whom was Capt. 
Thomas Webb, an officer of the British army. 

The others sent out by Mr. Wesley were held by their 
ideas of loyalty to the home government, and remained 
neutral, or returned to await the issue. At the same time it 
is true that the sympathies of a majority of the English 
Wesleyans was with the colonists in their struggle. Indeed 
Mr. Wesley himself, though a high churchman and a Tory, 
immediately after the news of the battle of Lexington had 
reached England, addressed a letter to the Earl of Dartmouth, 
in which he says : " I cannot avoid thinking that these 
colonists ask for nothing more than their legal rights, and 
that in the most modest and inoffensive manner that the 
subject would admit of." True is it also that the new church 
was the first to insert in its constitutional law a recognition of 
the new government, and to enjoin loyalty and patriotism 
as religious duties upon its communicants. Then, on the 
adoption of the federal union, in place of the "Articles of 
Confederation," the general conference immediately substi- 
tuted " The Constitution " in place of the articles referred 
to, and that in the face of the " State rights" doctrine then 
so rife, and it then proceeded unequivocally to declare that 
said states are and of right ought to be a sovereign and 
independent nation. 

Bishops Asbury and Coke were the first accredited repre- 
sentatives to present from any church an address to President 
Washington, assuring him of the sympathy and prayers of 
their people with and for him in his administration ; and a 
Methodist conference — the New York — was the first religious 
body to pledge its support to the general government after 
the assault on Fort Sumter, and by a happy coincidence, the 
same conference being then in session, telegraphed its con- 
gratulations to President Lincoln after the fall of Richmond 
and the surrender of Lee. There are statistics to prove that 
the Methodist church contributed 175,000 soldiers to the 
army of the Union, and of it President Lincoln fitly said : 
" Nobly served as the government has been by all the 
churches, I would utter nothing which might appear invi- 
dious against any, but it is not the fault of the others that 
the Methodist church, by her greater numbers, sends more 
soldiers to the field, more nurses to the hospital and more 
prayers to heaven than any other. God bless the Methodist 

176 



church. God bless all the churches, and blessed be God, 
who, in this our great trial, giveth us the churches." Have 
I not a right then to atiirm of it that it is pre-eminently an 
American church ? But I will not rest the case on ex parte 
testimony. I will impannel a jury of reputable citizens, not 
one of whom shall be a Methodist, and hear their testimony. 
George Bancroft: "The Methodists were the pioneers of 
reUgion ; the breath of Uberty has wafted their messages to 
the masses of the people, encouraged them to collect white 
and black in church or greenwood, for counsel in divine 
love and the full assurance of faith, and carried their con- 
solations and songs and prayers to the farthest cabins of the 
wilderness." Dr. Tyng said in London : " I come from a 
land where you might as well forget the tall oaks that tower 
in our forests, the glorious capitol we have erected in the 
centre of our hills, or the principles of truth and liberty we 
endeavor to disseminate, as to forget the influence of 
Methodism and the benefit we have received therefrom." 

Dr. Baird calls it " the most powerful element in the reli- 
gious prosperity of the United States." Dr. Channing said 
" the influence of Methodism in liberalizing the theology of 
New England is beyond all estimate." 

These citations might be multiphed indefinitely, but 
enough has been given to prove my statement, and I claim 
the case. 

Do you still ask what place Methodism has in this Bi- 
centennial ? I answer that though Gov. Dongan knew us 
not and, staunch Romanist that he was, I have no doubt 
he would have thought himself and the city better ofi" with- 
out us, and though Mayor Schuyler died without witnessing 
the advent of these " men who have turned the world upside 
down," and, Protestant though he was, he would have been 
scarcely less dismayed at the sight of the broad-brimmed hats 
and shad-bellied coats of these " pesky parsons ; " and though 
more than one hundred years of her history passed without 
the Methodist church, still do not beheve Albany could afford 
to lose out of her history the service rendered by that denom- 
ination. Bishop Asbury said that the region of Albany did 
not seem congenial, but times have changed since that day, 
and many of his successors have found Albany a most kindly 
home. Freeborn Garrettson was the pioneer in this region 
and had cause to remember his reception in Albany, for 
when he was entertained by a gentleman he saw deadly 



177 



hostility in the face of the hostess, and under a strong im- 
pression of danger he did not drink the small beer which she 
tendered him, nor would he eat in the house. The next 
day he learned that the husband and son of the woman had 
been poisoned nearly to death by eating the meat which this 
hospitable woman had prepared for him. She afterward 
said that if she could have had her way there would not have 
been a Methodist left. Now, however, clergy and laity find 
themselves cordially welcomed who would go from us to 
other denominations, and men and women converted at our 
altars are in every communion, and the pastor of one of the 
most popular churches told me once that his most efficient 
members were those he had received from us. 

I congratulate you on the fact that our church is now 
housed in Albany in a manner befitting the station she is 
called to occupy ; that the time when anything would do for 
a Methodist church has forever passed. The mission of 
Methodism to the masses was once a popular theme and 
was patronizingly conceded to us by the other denomina- 
tions, but this was a misapprehension. Methodism began 
socially at the top and was at home among the learned 
and noble, but has proved herself worthy of her Divine Lord 
by reaching down to the lowest, by disintegrating the masses 
and hfting the individual to the level of the heavenly. Her 
mission ! it is to every one ; her field ! it is the world. 

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH. 

In the First Lutheran church in the morning, the 
congregation was very large. The decorations about 
the pulpit, while not of an elaborate character, were, 
nevertheless very handsome. The front of the pulpit 
platform and the standards at the ends were effect- 
ively draped with orange and blue colors, and at the 
summits of the standards, palms waved their graceful 
branches. Immediately in front of the pulpit an 
elegant floral shield, with suitable inscriptions, rested 
on an easel. 

The Rev. George W. Miller preached a discourse 
entitled "A Retrospect of Two Centuries," from the 

178 



text, " Remember the days of old, consider the years 
of many generations." — Deut. xxxii., 7. 

Macaulay says : " To write history, that is, seemingly, the 
easiest of all compositions, is on the contrary the most diffi- 
cult. History is philosophy, teaching by example, though 
unhappily what the philosophy gains in soundness and 
depth, the examples generally lose in vividness. A perfect 
historian must possess an imagination sufficiently powerful to 
make his narrative affecting and picturesque, yet he must 
control it absolutely, contenting himself with the materials 
which he finds." Recognizing this, I purpose using the 
greatest care and caution in speaking of our Albany church. 
Could history truthfully picture the past, our eyes would see 
some strange scenes connected with this venerable organiza- 
tion. The history of the Albany First Lutheran church has 
special interest because it is the oldest continued organiza- 
tion in the denomination in America, the church in New 
Amsterdam, now New York city, having lost its identity, 
when in 1783 Trinity and Christ's church, or " The old 
Swamp church," united. The first Lutheran settlement in 
this country was made in New Amsterdam in 1623, and 
came from Holland. The second disdnct body of Lutherans 
came from Sweden in 1636, settled on Delaware bay and 
bought land of the Indians, the place now being Wilming- 
ton, Delaware. They brought a pastor with them, and these 
Swedes were the first Lutherans organized under the care of 
a pastor. Later, owing to a lack of English-speaking min- 
isters, they became EpiscopaHans, thus leaving the New 
York churches the priority as continued Lutheran organiza- 
tions. Moreover, Albany is the oldest surviving city of the 
original thirteen colonies. At Albany the voice of Benja- 
min Franklin was heard in convention advising the measures 
afterwards incorporated into our Federal constitution. In 
Albany assembled the first convention for the union of the 
colonies. Henry Hudson, in the yacht Half Moon, moored 
in September, 1609, at a point which is now in Broadway, 
This place was called by the Dutch, New Orange originally, 
afterwards Beverswycke, and then later when taken posses- 
sion of by the Enghsh in 1664, Albany, in honor of an 
English duke. 



179 



EARLY IMMIGRATION OF LUTHERANS. 

The principles of the reformation had been carried to 
Holland, and strong churches were organized, soon after 
Luther's work. Thus, before America was known as a land 
of refuge Protestants had settled in various lands, and some 
had sought our shores. Of these Lutheran churches in 
Holland the strongest was in Amsterdam, and it became the 
foster mother of the New Amsterdam Dutch Lutheran 
congregation. There had been a fierce controversy in 
Holland over Calvinism and Arminianism, and afterwards 
intolerance was manifested toward Lutherans. Hence, 
these Dutch Lutherans emigrated from Germany to Holland, 
and from Holland to America. This establishment of 
Lutherans was effected here a little more than a century after 
the discovery of America, and within a few years of the 
landing of the Pilgrims ; and while the Thirty Years War 
was raging in Germany that threatened to exterminate 
Protestantism from Europe. Thus are we led to see God's 
peculiar providence in sending those whom God's word and 
spirit had made free into this new world. We call attention 
to history respecting the Albany church. 

PERSECUTIONS AND TRIBULATIONS. 

Brodhead's history of the State of New York says : " The 
Lutherans, in 1653, are strong enough to support their own 
pastor." In Callaghan's history it is stated that a placard 
had been published in 1656 against the congregation of 
Lutherans at Beverswycke (i. e. Albany). At this time the 
Lutherans were much opposed and oppressed by the Dutch 
Reformed church people. They were taxed to support that 
church, compelled to assent to its creed if they had their 
children baptized, and strenuous effort was made to compel 
the Lutherans to identify themselves with the Dutch church. 
But they strenuously resisted, and petitioned for a minister 
of their own. In 1657 the Rev. John Ernest Goetwater 
arrived in the ship Mill, June 6, to serve two congregations, 
one at New Amsterdam and one at Beverswycke ; but he 
was ordered to return by the same ship, and though sickness 
prevented his immediate compliance, he was put without the 
walls of the city, and finally forced to re-embark for Holland. 
The Lutheians were disposed, however, to push forward 
with a hard Lutheran pate, Brodhead, the historian, says; 

180 



and in 1660 they promoted a subscription for a clergyman 
of their own. In 1664, however, the Lutheran congregation 
was in an organized condition. There cords are most meagre. 
These old Dutch worthies were modest and economical in 
record -making. Besides, their descendants have been crimin- 
ally careless about preserving what records they made. The 
Rev. P. A. Strobel, in an article in the Hartwick memorial 
volume respecting St. Paul's church, West Camp, Ulster 
county, N. Y., mentions an incident illustrating this. Their 
church was organized by the Rev. Joshua Kocherthall in 171 1. 
Some years since, the members of that church wishing to get 
rid of some old papers, it was resolved to make a bonfire of 
them. The Albany church was first built on Pearl street, 
between Lutheran (now Howard) and Beaver streets, facing 
Pearl. This church was standing in 1674. In Mr. Munsell's 
Annals we read : " The Lutherans seem to have succeeded 
in gathering a congregation before 1670. It is supposed 
that about this time they erected a church and parsonage, 
the first and last penny for these being paid." And from 
the same source, speaking of 1795, we read: "There is in 
Albany a Dutch Lutheran church of a Gothic and very 
peculiar shape." This was at least their second edifice, for 
we know that that was constructed only about ten years 
previous, and in it the second synod in America was organ- 
ized in 1786. While the Bi-centennial History of Albany 
and Schenectady counties says : " The first Lutheran church 
was built 1668 or 1670, on Pearl street, the present site of 
the city building. The Episcopalians worshiped in this 
building part of the day, in 17 14." In 1784 the society 
was incorporated. The edifice preceding the present fine 
and imposing one was erected during the pastorate of 
the Rev. F. G. Mayer, on the present site, the city having 
purchased the lot on Pearl street, that had been in the 
possession of the congregation almost a century and a 
half, the present site being doubly historic, for here stood 
" the old colonial army hospital." In it were gathered men 
who suffered for their country, and if patriotism be only 
second to piety, it was early consecrated by their sufferings. 
While, as if to show the fluctuations of time and circum- 
stances on this same spot, in a hospital room in 1769, there 
was fitted up Albany's first theatre, a comedy company from 
New York introducing the drama. To this historic spot 
hence have come those who suffered the ills and mishaps of 

181 



war. Here, in pain, has been paid, in part, the price of 
hberty. Here, on cots, have lain loyal, patriotic sons. 
Here brave men have died. Here have been experienced 
the horrid results of war. This has marked one era. 
While, as if to relieve the tedium, these very soldiers seem 
to have inaugurated the reverse of this, in comedy. Nor 
was it Avithout opposition ; but, succeeding slow suffering, 
and then mirth-making, has come the work of ministering to 
sad and glad. And for seventy years Christ's church, in 
loyalty to truth, has crowned this spot. 

A WORD ABOUT THE PASTORS. 

For 2i6 or 217 years, on two spots in Albany, the gospel 
of God's grace has been administered according to our 
usages. A hurried glance at the men who ministered at 
these altars may not be amiss. In 1668 the Rev. Jacob 
Fabritius became the first pastor, serving the New York and 
Albany churches. He was impulsive and rash, though 
learned and able, and soon left. In 167 1 the Rev. Bernar- 
dus Arensius assumed the work. In 1703 Justus Falckner, 
the first Lutheran minister ordained in America, was setded, 
preaching at Loonensburg (now Athens) and Albany. He 
died in 1723, and was succeeded by the Rev. Wm. Christo- 
pher Berkenmeyer, an able, devout man, who preached until 
his death at Athens, and under that church he lies buried. 
The Revs. Michael Christian Knoll, Henry Moeller, Schwerd- 
feger, A. T. Braun, Groetz, John Frederick Ernst, and 
Henry Moeller successively served until 1806. The services 
remained German until 1808. In 1807 the Rev. Frederick 
G. Mayer assumed the work as his first and last pastorate, 
remaining thirty-seven years. He was short in stature, stout 
in person, calm in manner, and an ex tempore speaker. The 
first sacred musical concert given in Albany was at his 
suggestion. In 1843 the Rev. Dr. Henry N. Pohlman 
assumed the duties of the office, and for twenty-three years, in 
a devoted and dignified manner, discharged its trust. Dr. 
Pohlman being the leader of the Lutheran hosts of New 
York during many years of his life. Since then, the Rev. 
Drs. S. P. Sprecher and I. Magee, and your speaker have 
ministered. 

THE PROGRESS OF THE DENOMINATION. 

New York has not proven as fertile soil for Lutheranism 
as have other states. In 1870 more than a third of all 

182 



Lutherans in the United States were reported in Pennsylva- 
nia and Ohio, and nearly five times as many churches in 
Pennsylvania as New York ; that but three synods have 
developed in loo years since the New York ministerium was 
organized in the Albany church, while from the Maryland 
and Virginia synod, organized in 1820, twelve synods have 
sprung, and the ministerium of Pennsylvania, organized in 
1748, has 88,596 communicants, while the ministerium of 
New York, organized 1786, has but 25,930. Peculiar 
circumstances produce this, just as the number of Presby- 
terians is not great in New England nor are the Congrega- 
tionalists strong in New York, while one-half of the 
Congregationalists in the United States in 1870 were in 
New England. There are four Lutheran congregations in 
Albany: St. Paul's German church, organized 1842, Rev. 
G. F. Stutz, pastor ; First German Evangelical Lutheran 
churcli, organized in 185/]., William A. Frey, pastor ; St. 
John's German Evangelical Lutheran church, organized in 
1858, Rev. Ernst Hoffman, pastor, and Trinity German 
Evangelical Lutheran church, organized i860. The relation 
of the Albany church to Lutheranism in the State has been 
most intimate. Here the first synod in New York and 
second in America was organized, with three ministers and 
two laymen present. Here Hartwick seminary originated, 
Dr. Pohlman being its first graduate. He was the first 
student of our first theological seminary. With the Albany 
church John Christopher Hartwick, its founder, had most 
intimate relations, and his remains lie under its lecture room 
floor. In the Albany church occurred the separation in 1867, 
after the formation of the general council, and in the church 
then and there was organized the New York, since consoli- 
dated with the New Jersey synod. 

OTHER RELATIONS. 

As late as 1747 there were but eleven ministers in all the 
colonies, and in 1768 the entire clergy showed but twenty- 
four names. To-day the Evangelical Lutheran church 
stands third in the list numerically among denominations in 
America, numbering 893,000 communicants. In 1775 the 
Lutherans had twenty-five ministers and sixty churches. In 
1876 they had 2,662 ministers, 4,623 churches, and did we 
enumerate all baptized persons we have more than 1,500,000 
Lutherans. 

183 



WHAT THE ORGANIZATION HAS WITNESSED. 

She has seen government twice change hands, the Dutch 
surrendering to the EngUsh and the Enghsh in turn granting 
our independence. She has seen the population of the 
entire country grow from 200,000 in 1688 to over 50,000,000 
at the present time. She has sentinel like, watched and from 
her patriotic pulpit heard prayers during four wars. She has 
seen the log school house, with puncheon floor, slab bench 
and oiled paper windows give way to our uncommon common 
school. She has seen the spinning wheel retire for the 
spinning jenny ; the stitch of the weary needle replaced by 
the sewing machine; the slow sickle in the reaper's hand 
banished by the mower and reaper ; the flail by the thresher ; 
the lumbering coach by the fast express ; the occasional 
overland mail by the postal telegraph and cable, and the 
courier, on relays of horses, by the telephone. She has 
seen the feeble, impoverished colonies surpass in wealth 
every other nation. 

She has seen her sister churches, in common with herself, 
grow strong and influential, with spires daily piercing the 
skies. Truly " God hath not dealt so with any nation." 
To-day we have reason for thanksgiving for a home in this 
goodly city, a place in this honored old church, and for a 
remembrance of the days of old and the knowledge that for 
more than two centuries she has without strife, division or 
cessation gone on in her work. To-day we inaugurate our 
Bi-centennial celebration. As Albanians, whether this be 
our native heath or our adopted home, it becomes us to 
recognize God's hand in the history and development of the 
city. Albany is an honored, prospered and lovely munici- 
pality. Nature has done much for her, and art has grandly 
aided. She is to-day noted for her wealth, philanthropy 
and long-time history. She has some splendid streets and 
avenues, elegant private residences, imposing churches and 
grand pubHc buildings. And she contains a most excellent 
citizenship. To-day, in our retrospect, while we trace our 
church existence 216 or 217 years, if we pause midway we 
would see an Albany very different. 

A RETROSPECT. 

One hundred years ago Albany was a village, receiving 
mail once a week. In 1698 Albany had but a population 
of 803 ; of these five were English families, one Scotch and 

184 



all others Dutch. In 1790, when the community was 185 
years old, there was a population of but 3,498. In an 
interesting volume, " New England in Albany," we read 
that Pearl street then was the resident street for the aristo- 
cratic burghers, and that the people were Dutch, the houses 
were Dutch and the dogs were Dutch. The original Dutch 
settlers had little enterprise They cared little for learning 
or education, only for liberty of trade. Beaver skins and 
ducats was the great desiderata. Their annual trade in 1646, 
when Albany contained but ten houses, were 16,000 beaver 
skins. A century ago, even these people lived here very 
quietly, rising early, and when the curfew bell rang at 8 P. M. 
they covered up their fires on the hearths and retired. 
Thus in their one -story houses with peaked roofs and gables 
to the end, they lived. And in the morning early on their 
stoops (each house had a stoop) these ancient and venerable 
mynheers, with their little sharp-cocked hats and red-ringed 
worsted caps drawn tightly down over their heads, there 
they sat like monuments of a former age, smoking their 
pipes in dignified silence, and with phlegmatic gravity. 
And on Sabbath, with rufiled shirt front, knee-breeches, 
silver-buckled shoes, immense wigs, and their cocked hats, 
these burghers wended their way to church. No furnaces 
were in use then ; portable stoves or warm bricks were taken 
to the sanctuary. And it was no uncommon thing to see 
fifty or seventy-five colored servants or slaves at the church 
door with foot-stoves, or warm bricks, wrapped in flannel, 
the records saying that the deacons used a little sack or bag, 
on the end of a pole for taking the collections, and that a 
bell was on the end of the pole. But tehse are bygones. 
Albany is now a modern city, and she is rapidly improving, 
catching more and more the spirit of enterprise. Our highest 
expression of interest in her past, present and prospective 
welfare is to be found in a loyal love for all that is good, and 
a watchful and outspoken hate and opposition for all that is 
wrong," 

The history of the First Lutheran church has special 
interest, not alone to its own membership and local friends, 
but as well to all Lutherans, because it is the oldest continued 
organization in the denomination in America. 

The church in New Amsterdam (now New York city) 
having lost its identity when in 1783, Trinity and Christ's 
church, usually called the Old Swamp church, united. The 

18S 



first I>utheran settlement in this country was made in New 
Amsterdam in 1623, they coming from HoUand. The 
second distinct body of Lutherans came from Sweden in 
1636, and settled on Delaware bay, and bought land of the 
Indians. They brought a pastor with them and were the 
first Lutherans organized under the care of a pastor. But, 
later, owing to a scarcity of English speaking preachers, they 
became Episcopalians, thus leaving the New York churches 
the priority as continued Lutheran organizations. More- 
over, Albany, the sight of the church, is the oldest city in 
the original thirteen colonies. Jamestown, Va., long a rival 
in point of age, having past from existence. The principles 
of the reformation had been carried to Holland and strong 
churches establislied there soon after Luther's work. Thus 
before America was known as a land of refuge for the 
oppressed, Protestants had settled in various lands and some 
had sought an shore. There was a strife in Holland over 
Armenianism and Calvinism, and the Lutherans were 
appressed. Hence these Dutch Lutherans emigated from 
Holland to America. This establishment of Lutherans was 
effected here a httle more than a century after the discovery 
of America and within a few years after the landing of the 
Pilgrims on Plymouth Rock, and while the thirty-five years' 
war was raging in Germany. In 1657 their first pastor came, 
but was ordered by the Dutch authorities to return by the 
same ship. In 1664, however, the Lutheran congregation 
was in an organized condition. The Bi-centennial history 
of Albany and Schenectady counties says that the first 
edifice of the Lutheran church was built, 1668 or 1670, on 
Pearl street, the present site of the City building. In 17S4, 
the society was incorporated. 

The present site is doubly historic, for on it stood the old 
colonial army hospital, and in a room in that hospital was 
fitted up in 1769 Albany's first theatre. For two hundred 
and sixteen or .seventeen years on two spots in Albany the 
gospel of God's grace has been preached and the ordinances 
of church administered according to our usage. In 1668 
Rev. Jacob Fabritum became the first pastor. He has been 
followed by Revs. Rudman, Falckner, Berkenmeyer, Knoll, 
Moeller, Braun, Schuefeger, Groetz, Moeher, Mayer, Pohl- 
man, Sprecher, Magee and the present incumbent. 



186 



CLINTON SQUARE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 
Anniversary services at the Clinton Square Presby- 
terian church were made impressive by the presence 
of Rev. Dr. E. A. Huntington, of the Auburn Theo- 
logical seminary, who preached a close, argumentative 
sermon from the sixth verse of the tenth chapter of 
II. Corinthians. After concluding his sermon, he 
interested his hearers by recalling the early associa- 
tions of the church : 

" Fifty years ago to-day," he said, " I preached my second 
sermon, and it was before a congregation of this church, 
then called the Third Presbyterian church of Albany. These 
associations are dear to me from the fact that it is the only 
church I was ever pastor of. Its history of pastors is remark- 
able. In fifty years you have had but three pastors, I served 
you eighteen years, and was then called to my present posi- 
tion in the Auburn Theological seminary, and was succeeded 
by Dr. Halley, who was your beloved pastor for twenty-two 
years, when your present pastor, who has ministered to you 
for ten years, began his labors with you. 

STATE STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

Rev. Dr. Holmes preached in the morning from 

Acts xxi : 39 : "A Citizen of No Mean City." 

After briefly touching upon Albany's proud history, Dr. 
Holmes said he choose rather to employ the past with a view 
to the improvement of the future, and to gather up the lessons 
of the by-gone centuries respecting the duties of citizenship. 
A proper discharge of our duties as citizens necessitates an 
increase of public spirit, and a general diffusion of intellectual 
culture, an attention to social obligations, and more impor- 
tant still, a thorough fulfillment of the political duties we are 
summoned to discharge. But the chief duty which devolves 
upon us in giving ennoblement to the city in which we live, 
respects its moral and spiritual improvement. Nor must we 
measure public morals by any other standard than the aver- 
age righteousness of the whole people. It is ours as citizens 
of this ancient municipality to diffuse divine light and life 
among all who dwell within the sphere of our influence. 

187 



The very rich and the very poor ahke need Christian effort 
in their behalf. And the intermediate classes also require 
the expenditure of earnest activity. We must proclaim the 
sanctity of the Lord's day and the Lord's home, and the 
immediate duty of sincere repentance and having faith. 
The third century of our city's life should concern us far 
more than either the first or the second. Let us discharge 
our duties in connection with it, and God grant it may be 
a future filled up with ennobling experiences and divinely 
discharged duties. 



AFRICAN M. E. CHURCH. 

At the Israel M. E. church on Hamilton street, 
there was a very large attendance, and the sermon 
was by the Rev. Israel Derrick. Subject: "Fifty- 
seven years in Albany ; or theConflicts and Con- 
quests of African Methodism." The preacher said 
in epitome : 

No victory can be achieved without a well-planned and 
a hard fought battle. Endurance and perseverance, even 
against opposition, will eventually be rewarded. History is 
full of examples and illustrations which may help us to stand 
firm at our post of duty and put forth all the energies of 
body and mind, regardless of antagonizing forces, so that 
honest and earnest endeavor may be crowned with abundant 
success. African Methodism, during the last half century of 
this city, has been engaged in a financial, moral and religious 
conflict. God is on her side. She is destined to push the 
battle until the war is ended. Then will she return her armor 
to the armory of heaven and join the triumphant church on 
high. 

It would seem that after so many futile attempts have been 
made by other colored denominations, that this Hamilton 
street African Methodist Episcopal church is destined by 
the God of Heaven to evangelize the colored people of this 
city, I call upon you this evening, on this, the Two Hundredth 
Anniversary of the City of Albany, to wheel into line and 
give a helping hand in this great work. 



Let us be true to ourselves, to the city and State, and last, 
but not least, let us be true to the church ; and may the 
good Lord keep and prosper us until the end of time. 

FIRST REFORMED CHURCH. 
There was a large congregation at the First Re- 
formed church in the evening and the services were 
of much interest, the musical portion being also 
attractive. The pastor, Rev. J. Wilbur Chapman, 
chose his text from Deut. iv : 32 : "Ask now of the 
days that are past." An epitome of the discourse 
follows : 

This is the prerogative of the Reformed church. She 
dates back more than three hundred years. Her doctrinal 
standards and polity are derived primarily from the action of 
those who met at Antwerp in 1563, and in the beginning ^he 
was closely identified with the Reformers. In 1642 Johanes 
Megapolensis began to preach the gospel, and until the 
prese t time the Dutch church has been faithful to the city's 
interests. One of her members was commissioner to secure 
the charter and appeared with it before the governor of the 
State. 

So we take our part in this Bi- centennial celebration, 
because we have as a denomination a firm hold upon the 
past, and the things which have been of importance to 
Albany in the past two hundred years, have likewise been 
closely associated with the Reformed church. There wor- 
ships with us a family but four generations removed from 
Peter Schuyler, the first mayor of the city. 

We have in our membership direct descendants of Alex- 
ander Glen, who built the first church of Schenectady, and 
whose wife was Catharine Dongan, sister of him who was 
governor at the time the charter was granted. 

But more highly are we honored, as a denomination, in 
the history we have had, in the long line of faithful ministers 
who have in our churches preached the gospel, in the godly 
men and women who have constituted our membership, in 
the memory of the missionaries who have gone out from us 
to do service for our Lord in foreign lands, in the two hun- 
dred and forty-four years of labor in His vineyard. 

189 



SIXTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 
" Characteristic Elements in the Religious Faith of 
our Forefathers," was the subject of the Rev. J. D. 
Countermine's sermon at the Sixth Presbyterian 
church in the morning. He took his text from Acts 
xvii : 26 : 

After an eloquent sermon he closed by saying : Out of 
the fatherhood of God naturally grows the great principle of 
the essential brotherhood of man. God has made of one 
blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth. 
Recognizing this, our forefathers gave early promise of 
becoming a free, united and happy people. How could it 
have been otherwise ? The national honor and strength, 
wealth and glory which we possess have come as the merit- 
able result not so much of what our forefathers did as of 
what they believed. It was their faith that made them great. 
Had they believed less, had they just left out of their creed 
the one doctrine of man's universal brotherhood, it is safe to 
say we never would have been what we are to-day, one of 
the leading nations of the earth. What we have said of 
America in general, is true of Albany in particular. Her 
greatness is due not so much to the beauty of her situation, 
or to the abundance of her natural resources, as to her men 
of character, enlightenment and faith. They were not per- 
fect, but the great truths which they loved and cherished are 
still the richest inheritance of the race. Possessing these 
truths we, as a city, have nothing to fear, for in them alone 
are life, honor, wealth, strength and immortality. 

ST. PETER'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 
" A citizen of no mean city " (Acts, xxi : 39) was 
the text of the discourse preached before a large 
congregation at St. Peter's church, in the morning, 
by the rector Rev. Walton W. Battershall. The 
reverend gentleman said : 

The thought, lurking in that claim of St. Paul to his 
Tarsian citizenship, lies at the heart of this Bi-centennary of 
our charter day. Little as it was, Albany did good service 

190 



in those ancient days. All beyond it to the west and north, 
except the hamlet of Schenectady and the French settle- 
ments on the St. Lawrence, was unbroken wilderness. The 
stockade, thirteen feet high, was of little worth, if that living 
bulwark of savage allies should yield to the arms or bribes 
of the French 

But in this picture of ancient Albany I cannot forbear to 
mention one landmark, in which we who worship at this 
altar have a peculiar inheritance. For about forty years 
after the peaceful seizure by the English, the old I)uLch 
church at the foot of State street, and the Lutheran church 
on South Pearl street sufficed for the religious needs of the 
city. In the accounts of Peter Schuyler, the deacon of the 
Dutch church in 1683, and the first mayor of the city, we 
read that the thirteenth of January was observed as a day 
of fasting and prayer, to divert God's heavy judgment from 
falling on the English nation for the murder of King Charles, 
martyr of blessed memory, and that the expenses of the 
church therefor were seventeen guilders. In 1708, Thomas 
Barclay was chaplain of the garrison. Soon there was need 
of an English church in Albany. On the 21st of October, 
1 7 14, Governor Hunter issued letters patent granting a plot 
of ground in the street below the fort for a church and 
cemetery. Despite all obstacles, the work went on, and, in 
the course of a year, a stone structure fifty- eight feet long 
and forty-two wide, later known as St. Peter's church, stood 
in the middle of Jenker's street, one block below the present 
site — the first permanent footprint of the English church 
beyond the seaboard. 

Such in brief outline is the picture which our Bi-centennial 
commemoration summons from the past. It is something 
to claim citizenship in "no mean city," a city that has a 
history and has had so much to do with the making of 
history. 

But what avails it to study the past except to win from 
it light and energy for the duty of the present ? You, men 
of Albany, are molding the character of your city, not simply 
by municipal legislation, but by those personal traits, those 
daily dealings by which you made the moral atmosphere the 
business methods, the political life of the city. The import- 
ance of cities is not measured by their bulk any more than 
the importance of men ; but growth is every sign of health. 



191 



FIRST METHODIST CHURCH. 
At the First Methodist church, in the morning, the 
Rev. H. A. Starks took for his text: "Then Sam- 
uel took a stone and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, 
and called the name of it Ebenezer," saying : 
** Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." i Sam. vii : 12: 

A principle, deeply implanted in human nature, and 
repeatedly recognized in scripture, leads to the observance 
of commemorative days. The city in which we dwell has 
come to the Two Hundreth Anniversary of its life. 

To-day an attempt is being made to answer the question, 
" What of the history and influence of Christianity in 
Albany?" Especially should our own society, the oldest 
in this city be interested in giving a satisfactory reply to this 
question. In 1760, two men, Philip Emburg and Thomas 
Webb, the former in New York, the latter in Albany, com- 
menced their labors. The Rev. Freeborn Garrettson was 
the founder of the Methodist creed in Albany. In 1789 a 
small but flourishing society was in Albany. In 1791 Mr. 
Garrettson dedicated the first Methodist church in this city. 
It was a small fifty-two by forty-four building on the south- 
east corner of Pearl and Orange streets. The first board of 
trustees was elected in 1792. 

In 1805 Elias Vanderlip was appointed pastor on account 
of serious divisions which had arisen. In 181 1 the common 
council gave the society the lot on Hallenbeck and Plain 
streets, sixty-six by one hundred feet. In 1S13 the newedifice 
on Division street was built. A Sunday school was formed 
in 1 81 6. In 1826 they moved into a large hall on North 
Pearl street, formerly used as a circus. From time to time 
new divisions arose and new societies were formed. In 
1844 the Hudson street edifice was occupied. The pros- 
perity of the society was now assured by the large congrega- 
tion. In 1883 they moved again into their now elegant 
structure on the corner of Hudson avenue and Philip street. 

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 
At Trinity Episcopal church in the morning the 
pastor, Rev. Dr. C. H. W. Stocking, chose his text 



192 



from Prov. xi : 1 1 : " By the blessing of the upright 
the city is exalted," and in conclusion said : 

Two hundred years of human life and activity are but a 
small segment of the circle of being. We are but a handful 
of sand on the stretching shores of peoples and nations. The 
pride with which we begin this great Bi-centennial week 
should be tempered with humility. It is one of the fallacies 
of our day that a courageous and prosperous national life 
tends to improvement, and is inseparably connected with 
all advancement. The traveler stands to-day among the 
ruins of ancient temples to wonder at the marvelous civiliza- 
tion of Greece. The glorious city of the Tiber is a dusty 
relic, her language dead and her name and fame are but a 
romance, while Albany is stronger to-day than Rome ever 
was in all that constitutes general stability. They ordered 
their households with simplicity and virtue. They traded 
honestly, kept their hands from picking and stealing, and 
their bodies in temperance and chastity. They refreshed 
their minds at the stream of a pure education. Whatever of 
past prosperity Albany has had, whatever she now enjoys 
and whatever of hope for the future she cherishes, is rooted 
deeply in the truth that by the blessing of the upright the 
city is exalted. 

OTHER SERVICES. 

A large audience gathered to hear the Bi-centennial 
services given in the Bethel-El-Jacob synagogue on 
Fulton street, the rabbi, Rev. Dr. Distillator, having 
prepared a complete programme. Prayer for the 
rulers of the United States, by Rev. Mr. Zimmerman ; 
sermon touching the rise and progress of the Jews 
in Albany, by Rev. Dr. Distillator, ending with a 
prayer for the city officials. The synagogue was 
most handsomely decorated, the programme attract- 
ive and well rendered, and the congregation well 
pleased. 

At the Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady Help 
of Christians a solemn high mass was said, accom- 

193 



panied by an apropriate sermon in German delivered 
by Mgr. H. Cluever, pastor. 

The Rev. William S. Boardman, a former rector, 
delivered the sermon at the Church of the Holy Inno- 
cents. The text: "My days are a shadow that is 
declining," I02d Psalm, 2. 

MONDAY, JULY 19TH. 

Trades and Manufacturers and Children's Day. 

Exercises by School Children. 

Morning. — Opening the city gates. Canoe races 
in front of the city. 

Afternoon. — Grand parade of manufacturers, 
tradesmen and mechanics, with workshops on floats, 
etc. Marking with bronze tablets historical spots, 
accompanied by appropriate exercises. 

Evening. — Concert by trained chorus of one 
thousand school children in Capitol Park. Grand 
children's fete, closing with elaborate pyrotechnic 
display. A triple band concert in Washington Park. 

OPENING THE CITY GATES. 

About ten o'clock the historic ceremony of open- 
ing the city gates was beheld with great interest by a 
large multitude. The procession formed at the city 
hall, and previous to the hour of starting, the mayor's 
office was filled with members of the Bi-centennial 
committee wearing beautiful badges, city officials and 
prominent citizens. 

After a little unavoidable delay, the processsion 
was formed under the direction of Col. John S. Mc- 

194 



i 




Ewan, and chief assistant, Major Lewis Balch. The 
formation of the line was as follows : 

Sergt. Winne and a platoon of police, Plattsburgh 
band, Burgesses corps. Crier Jacob D. Pohlman, City 
Marshal Craven, City officers, Recorder and Justices, 
headed by Mayor Thacher, President McCann and 
common council, Poughkeepsie band, Jackson corps, 
citizens' Bi-centennial committee, headed by ex-Mayor 
Banks, Caughnawaga Indians in costume, members 
of the board of trade and citizens generally. 

The Burgesses corps, under Maj. Van Zandt, num- 
bered five staff, three line and thirty-six muskets and 
the Jackson corps, Maj. MacFarlane commanding, six 
staff, five line and thirty-two muskets. 

Marshal Craven wore a broad cardinal sash about 
his waist, and carried in hand the traditional white 
wand. Mayor Thacher carried the emblem of author- 
ity, a sword. The procession presented a fine appear- 
ance, and not the least centre of interest were the 
Indians in their glaring costumes. 

The route of march was as follows : Washington 
avenue to Lark street, to Hudson avenue, to Broad- 
way. Here the first or south gate of the city was 
located. The structure was of wood, thickly trimmed 
with evergreens, and extended from curb to curb. 
Above the horizontal on top was the following inscrip- 
tion : 

" Ye Southe Gate of ye Citty, 
Leading to ye Fort, ye Ferrie and ye Pasture." 

Between the uprights swung the city gates, con- 
structed of unplaned dark board, ten feet in height 
and sharpened at the upper end into the semblance 



195 



of a palisade. A heavy bolt and padlock kept the 
gates shut to all comers on the thoroughfare until the 
mayor had bid them welcome. 

THE CEREMONY. 
Just by this gate the procession halted. Mayor 
Thacher, sword in hand, accompanied by Marshal 
Craven and crier Pohlman, stepped forward, and key 
in hand unlocked the padlock. Two sturdy constables 
in blue uniforms put their shoulders to the gates, 
which swung apart from the pressure. The scene 
was picturesque and unique. Under the arch stood 
the mayor, flanked by his crier and marshal. The 
common council on the east side and the Bi-centen- 
nial committee on the west side stood grouped about 
the gate. In the centre stood the little bronzed and 
painted group of Mohawk braves, and the red coats 
of the soldiers and the band's blue uniforms hemmed 
in the circle. The background was thousands of 
citizens. As the gates swung open crier Pohlman 
stepped briskly forward and in stentorian tones 
shouted " Uncover." At the word every head was 
bared, and where a moment before had been the hum 
of voices was profound silence. Spake the crier : 

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye. To all strangers without this 
gate. Keep silence, keep silence. The Mayor of the city 
is about to issue his proclamation. Peace, silence, and hear 
him. 

Then Mayor Thacher, in loud tones, proclaimed : 

To all ye of good fame and honest name, traveler, 
student, friend, who shall enter our gates this day and in the 
days that for three terms shall follow after this : Peace, 
welcome, cheer and greeting. 

196 



Hitherto have ye come after twice one hundred years, 
and within our walls to-day we celebrate this natal event. 
Join with us in the commemoration of the day when our 
fathers received their charter two hundred years ago. 

Enter then beneath this triumphal arch and with us unite 
in parade and oration. Freedom, liberty and immunity we 
give thee for this time. 

At the same time Marshal Craven tacked the pro- 
clamation on sheepskin on the gate, signed " John 
Boyd Thacher, mayor. Done in the ancient city of 
Albany this day, July 19, 1886." 

After the proclamation, the Indians rendered an 
Iroquois hymn. The weird sound of the Iroquois 
song of welcome rose as the last nail was driven. 
The singers had taken their stand in the centre of 
the scene, facing the Mayor, and in tuneful chorus 
acknowledged the hospitality extended by this gen- 
eration to them as their fathers had welcomed our 
fathers on nearly the same spot two hundred and fifty 
years ago. The band then struck up "Yankee 
Doodle," composed near Albany in 1755, the proces- 
sion reformed and the strangers without the gates 
flocked within the city walls. 

AT THE NORTH GATE. 
Handelaer's street (Broadway) was packed with 
people and gay with color as the procession started 
from the south gate to the north gate, through which, 
on Sunday morning, February 9, 1690, Symon 
Schermerhorn dashed on full gallop, bearing the 
tidings of Schenectady's fate. The north gate is 
erected near Steuben street, opposite ye American 
express building, and is the counterpart of the south 
gate. The inscription over it reads : 

197 



Ye North Gate of ye Citty, 
Ye Create road to ye Canadas. 

At the north gate the same ceremony as at the 
south gate was repeated in the same impressive 
manner. As the proclamation was nailed in place, 
the Van Rensselaer cannon of 1630 thundered the 
first of the federal salute of thirty-eight guns, fired by 
Capt. Archie Young, from the pier which completed 
the terminus of DeWitt Clinton's great project. The 
procession then formed again and marched over the 
prescribed route to the Stadt Huys, where a modest 
collation had been spread for the participants. All 
through the day strangers flocked into the city through 
the gates, so auspiciously opened as the formal 
beginning of the Bi-centennial celebration. 

THE SCHOOL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL. 
It was almost half past ten when the opening notes 
of "America" swelled from a chorus of half a thou- 
sand voices, led by Prof. George Edgar Oliver. At 
that time the tent, located in Capitol park, was fairly 
packed from end to end. Not only were the seats 
filled, but the canvas at the sides of the tent was 
raised and i thousands crowded here in the vain 
endeavor to see over the heads of the spectators 
within. Such a pushing and jostling, such a clamber- 
ing over the ends of seats, such a struggle to raise 
one's eyes half a foot higher from the ground than 
nature intended, could not be seen save upon a 
Bi-centennial occasion. After Director Oliver had 
gracefully waved the children to the seats, upon the 
conclusion of the chorus, the Rev. Dr. J. Livingston 
Reese stepped to the front of the platform and offered 
up an eloquent prayer : 

198 



O Lord God Almighty and Generous Father, whom no 
eye has seen and can see, and yet who dwellest in the heart 
of the lowly and humble, we come to thee this day for thy 
special blessing. We thank thee for the lessons of the past, 
for the good examples of those whose names we now revere 
and whose virtues we would copy. We thank thee for the 
means thou hast given us in this land for the education of 
the young and their training in truth and holiness. Direct 
those who have charge of the schools of this city and to 
whom thou hast entrusted this great work. Fill their memo- 
ries with the words of the law. Enlighten their understand- 
ing with the illumination of the Holy Ghost. Impress 
deeply upon the children of this city the love and duty and 
the fear and reverence of thee, their Father and their God. 
Give them wisdom to see that though old things pass away, 
yet there is no decline in faith, in the beauty of righteous- 
ness, in the gloriousness of purity, the splendor of virtue 
and the strength of truth. Make them strong in heart, full 
of courage, fearless of danger, holding pain and loss cheap 
when they lie in the way of truth and duty. Make them 
strong in love, true friends, tender neighbors, helpful citizens. 
Make them strong in faith, believing thy word and promises, 
ever trusting in the victory of good over evil. Make them 
strong in hope, undaunted by seeming defeat, ever looking 
beyond the mists and clouds of time into the clear shining 
of the eternal life. Make them strong in voice to sing thy 
praises, to magnify thy name, to resist evil. Oh God most 
loving, God most pitiful, strengthen thy children daily to do 
and to bear, to suffer and to hope, to fight the good fight, 
and at last to lay hold upon the crown of life everlasting. 

Then the orchestra played a festive march, and the 
curtain rolled back on the first 

HISTORICAL TABLEAU, 
representing the arrival of Henry Hudson at the site 
of Albany. The characters were taken by these 
pupils from the High School. 

Hendrick Hudson, Wilham Newton ; Robert Juet, 
Master's Mate, Lucius Washburn ; Hudson's Crew, 
Acton Borthwick, Edward O. Smith, Charles Scherer, 

199 



George Van Buren, Willard Van Wormer, Fred 
White ; Mohawk Princess, LilHe Goodwin ; Mohican 
Chief, Robert McCormic ; Mohawk Chief, Fred Gay- 
lord ; Indian Braves, Madison Ames, Benjamin Aus- 
tin, Paul Burton, Henry Dell, Arthur McHarg, Joseph 
Robe, Everett St. Lewis, Roscoe C. Sanford. The 
costumes were picturesque and historically correct, 
and the efforts of the children called out a shout of 
applause from the favored few who could see the 
tableau. The Indians looked very fierce in their 
feathers and war paint, and quite threw into the shade 
the peaceful and civilized Mohawks who sold bead- 
work and baskets in the park without, or struggled 
with their white brethren for a sight of the exercises 
within. After another musical selection. Miss Theresa 
F. Smith, of Public School No. 9, read a selection 
entitled "Fort Orange, 1660." It was first intended 
to have the reading by public school pupils, but it 
was thought their voices were not strong enough to 
fill the tent, and practiced elocutionists among the 
teachers were chosen instead. 

The curtain next rose on a scene representing the 
presentation of the Dongan charter to the aldermen 
of "ye citty." In the centre was Mayor Schuyler 
and Town Clerk Robert Livingston, and ranged on 
either side were the burgesses and magistrates. The 
burgesses were six very pretty young ladies and when 
the town clerk unrolled the charter, and, bowing, 
handed it to Mayor Schuyler, all the staid old magis- 
trates took off their three-cornered hats and all the 
pretty burgesses waved their hankerchiefs. Then 
falling in, in procession, the curtain dropped as they 



200 



moved off. The characters and order of procession 
were : 

Peter Schuyler, Mayor, Dwight Ruggles; Robert 
Livingston, Town Clerk, Lewis Anderson ; Ye Magis- 
trates : Dirk Wessels, Acton Borthwick ; Jan Jans 
Bleecker, Edward O. Smith ; David Schuyler, Charles 
Scherer ; Johannes Wendell, George Van Buren ; Liv 
Van Schaick, Williard Van Wormer ; Adrian Geritse, 
Charles Rhodes. Ye Burgesses : Katharine Ryser- 
doph, Carrie Shutter ; Anneke Staels, Effie Clute ; 
Catilina Von Ale, Frances Hayes ; Margaret Wy- 
nantse, Sarah Gibbon ; Anajestie Ryckeman, Nellie 
Pierson ; Perseverance Becker, Louise Hogan. Ye 
Procession : Ye Town Crier, Lucius Washburn ; Ye 
High Sheriff, Randall Le Bouef; Ye Constables, 
Arthur Shirley, Fred White. Ye Mayor and Town 
Clerk, with charter ; Ye Magistrates ; Ye Justices of 
the Peace ; Ye Military ; Ye Firemen. 

Prof. Oliver's " Sailor's Song" was next sung, when 
Miss Agnes R. Davidson, read "An incident of the 
French and Indian war " in finished style. The 
next tableau was the reception of Gen. Burgoyne 
and Baroness Reisdesel by Mrs. Philip Schuyler at 
the Schuyler mansion, in October, 1777. 

A MINUET. 

The scene opened with the reception and presen- 
tation of the general and baroness, followed by a 
minuet in which all the company participated. The 
costuming was very correct and the picture presented 
was pleasing. The cast was from pupils in the High 
School and was as follows : 



201 



Mrs. Philip Schuyler, Luella Becker ; Miss Marga- 
ret Schuyler, Elizabeth Spier ; Baroness Reisdesel, 
Sadie Lipman ; Lady Ackland, Nellie Pierson ; Lady 
Raymond, Bessie Washburn; Mrs. Gen. VVesterlo, 
Florence Home ; Mrs. Ann Clinton, Eloise Lansing ; 
Lady Belinda, Carrie Low. British : Lieut. -General 
John Burgoyne, Edward Ellery ; Earl Balcarras, Ran- 
dall Le Bouef ; Adjt.-Gen. Kingston, Lewis Anderson ; 
Capt. Lord Petersham, Charles Scherer; Lieut. Wil- 
ford, Arthur Van Loon. Americans: Maj. -Gen. Philip 
Schuyler, Dwight Ruggles ; Adj. -Gen. Col. Joseph 
Wilkinson, Frank T. Brown ; Col. Gooshen Van 
Schaick, Harry McClure; Maj. Armstrong, Willard 
Van Wormer. 

The " Bi-centennial h)'mn," written by Alderman 
Howard N. Fuller, music by Prof. Oliver, was sung 
with magnificent efifect by the immense chorus, and 
called for many expressions of admiration. 

Mayor Thacher and ex- Mayor Banks, the latter 
chairman of the education committee, hurried to the 
tent as soon as the ceremony of opening the city 
gates was completed. They arrived during the "Bi- 
centennial hymn," and, taking their places on the 
platform, joined in singing Prof. Oliver's magnificent 
chorus. The great interest of the day centered in the 

AWARD OF PRIZES, 

the report on the composition written by boys being 

read by Superintendent Charles W. Cole, as follows : 

The committee appointed to examine the essays for the 
medal written by boys, report that seven essays on the given 
subject, "Albany's History and Growth During Two Centu- 
ries," were handed in for competition, and have been care- 
fully examined by us. Of these seven, the committee 

202 



without hesitation agreed in considering the two signed 
respectively " Cohotatia " and "Alpha" superior to the 
others. These two were, in the opinion of the committee, 
very nearly equal in excellence, a kw minor defects in the 
one signed "Alpha," which under other circumstances might 
readily be disregarded as immaterial, finally throwing the 
scale in favor of the other signed " Cohotatia," which we 
decide to be the best and entitled to the prize. 
William B. Ruggles, 
Leonard Kip, 
Edward A. Durant, Jr., 

Committee. 

There was breathless silence as the envelope con- 
taining the real name of "Cohotatia" was opened, 
and tremendous applause followed the announcement 
that the winner of the prize was George L. Hodgson, 
of No. 565 Clinton avenue. The contestant coming 
so near the prize and receiving honorable mention 
was Frank E. Delaney, both being pupils of the 
Albany High School. 

THE WINNER OF THE GIRL'S PRIZE. 

Commissioner Ruso stepped to the front and read 
the following report : 

The committee appointed to examine the essays written 
by girls, report that thirteen essays were submitted. Three 
of the manuscripts have, in addition to the pseudonym, the 
age of the girl competing for the prize, and as they are so 
young, ranging from thirteen to fourteen, the age may be 
taken in good faith, though the name be a fiction. All of 
the essays show patient and persevering research in the 
annals of Albany. Several show excellent judgment in the 
selection of the best points from the mass of matter in order 
to present so short an account as that to which the writer 
was limited. From the whole number of essays the com- 
mittee have unanimously selected the one signed " Janette 
Van Schaik " as entitled to the prize offered by your 
committee. The merits of this essay are that the writer 

203 



commences where the printed instructions require her to, 
at the beginning of the two hundred years of Albany's 
history, the charter history of the city, and that the writer in 
a most original way, shows the growth of the city by the 
study of the development of the Dutchman, whom she 
analyzes in a keen, good-natured, sarcastic manner, whereby 
she shows the reason for the slow, sure and safe commercial 
progress of this unique and interesting town. As second 
best of the essays the committee have also with singular 
unanimity chosen the one signed " Katrinka K." This 
essay is prepossessing on the face, from the beautiful pen- 
manship, and from its good form, which have their weight 
before the literary merits are taken into account. The essay 
presents a series of pictures, changing as a delightful pano- 
rama before the reader. From the graceful pen painting of 
" Ye Olden Time," the writer leads with nice tact to the 
commonplace history of to-day by giving an account of the 
ghostly visit of an ancient Knickerbocker, as he materializes 
in Albany for a space, to save the author from too abrupt a 
change in her style of writing, and the shock of the transi- 
tion from life in ancient Beaverwyck to that of wide-awake 
Albany in iS86. 

Kate Stoneman, 

Dora Wendell Kirchwey, 

Julia A. Werner. 

The successful girl proved to be Miss Elizabeth G. 

Davidson, No. 752 Madison avenue. "Katrinka K.," 

who received the first honorable mention, is Miss 

Carrie Curry. Both of these were also of the High 

School. 

INTRODUCING THE MAYOR. 

While the audience was discussing the awards the 

scholars sang, with fine effect, " See the Conquering 

Hero Comes," from Handel's " Judas Maccabeus," 

after which President Oren E. Wilson, of the school 

board, introduced Mayor Thacher in these words : 

Two hundred years ago to-day this city, which we all love 
to call our home, contained neither public school buildings 
nor public school children. It had no mayor, for it was not 

204 



yet a city. To-day thousands of happy school children are 
celebrating with music and song the city's approaching anni- 
versary. In these festivities our mayor joins, and we bid 
him a hearty welcome, not only because history will honor 
him as the Bi-centennial mayor of the city of Albany, but 
because in his person are combined the sturdy independence 
of the ancient burgomaster and the public spirit and energy 
of the modern citizen. 1 now have the pleasure of annouc- 
ing the presentation of the prizes for the best essays by his 
honor. Mayor John Boyd Thacher. 

MAYOR THACHER'S ADDRESS. 

In reply, Mayor Thacher made the following 

felicitous address : 

A hateful meaning has come to be attached to a grand 
sentiment, " To the victors belong the spoils." Not on 
the field of battle, nor in predatory raids have your vic- 
tories been won, but in that grandest of all conflicts, the 
struggle of intellect against intellect. Here spoils are legiti- 
mate and becoming. They deck the brow of him who has 
run the swiftest, who has struggled the fiercest, who has 
climbed the highest in the world of mind. They speak 
eloquently not only of the struggle and the contest, but they 
declare that the victories they represent are for the world 
and are dedicated to the service of the race. I take pleas- 
ure now in handing you your prizes so gallantly won. May 
they incite within you a spirit of emulation which shall bring 
you yet other prizes, so that trophies and honors may mark 
every upward step of your intellectual career. And now, 
children of the public schools, having performed the pleasant 
duty which brings me here, I desire to call your attention 
to the interesting path in literature into which some of you 
have entered in the labor for which these prizes were a 
reward. Many a traveler has stood on interesting ground 
without knowing it ; has made his way into regions rich in 
importance and significance yet turned away because of 
some obstacle or, failing to rightly appreciate his vantage 
ground, has ceased to journey further on that way. History, 
American history, is the one path in the literary world which 
is little traveled and imperfectly explored. The question 
will soon present itself to you, as you arrive at the time of 
your graduation from the schools, what will you do with 

205 



your education, what use will you make of it ? Why not, 
let me suggest, continue along the road which has been 
opened to some of you in writing your highly interesting 
article on the history of Albany ? Why not make the writing 
of American history your life work ? It is a great field. 
History has always seemed to me something like surveying. 
The one is a survey of the earth, the other a survey of events. 
A survey may be of the highest order, like a geodetic survey, 
taking into account in its measurements the curvature of 
the earth. Such a survey will be absolutely correct, the 
angles will be positively straight lines and the lines will not 
lie. But this is not a satisfactory survey in its broadest, 
fullest sense We want a topographical survey. We want 
to know where the valley is which laughs so thick with corn, 
where the stream is that comes tripping down the hillside. 
We want to know where the mountains are, where Marathon 
is, where the sea is. We want to know that the mount- 
ains look on Marathon and that Marathon looks on the sea. 
Straight lines will not do. We must have a map filled in 
between the lines. It is so with history ; the straight lines 
there are tlie records of the annalist, the marks of the chron- 
ologist, the bare outlines of the narration of past events. 
The province of the historian is to take these annals and 
show the relation between events, the condition under which 
they happen, the source whence they have their spring, and 
a philosophical inquiry into the great future into which they 
have thrown their influence, and whither they are drawing, 
by mysterious cords, the present day and hour. In Ameri- 
can history the angles are not complete, the lines are 
not straight, the map is not yet filled in. What a grand 
field is there here for the ambition of the student ! Perhaps 
behind some modest but determined face, perhaps back of 
some eager and piercing eyes, to-day lost in the sea of faces 
that are turned upward at mine, is working the cunning 
machinery of the brain, which will one day write the history 
of America and win for some one here and for our old 
Dutch city an immortal crown of honor, fame and glory. 

Mr. Hodgson and Miss Davidson were then called 
to the platform and presented with the beautiful gold 
watches chosen by the committee. The applause as 
they received the tributes was hearty. The audi- 

206 



ence dispersed after the singing of the "American 
Hymn.". The greatest credit must be given to Prof. 
OHver for his masterly training and conducting of the 
chorus, and to Mr. Edward Low, who so artistically 
arranged the tableaux. 

The Prize Essays. 



Girls' Prize. 



ALBANY S HISTORY AND GROWTH IN TWO CENTURIES. 

" Albany was indeed Dutch in all its moods and tenses, 
thoroughly and inveterately Dutch. The people were 
Dutch, the buildings were Dutch, and even the dogs were 
Dutch." 

Although Albany, in 1686, had been under EngHsh rule 
more than twenty years, it still retained its Dutch aspect. 

" Crowns or thrones might perish, 
Kingdoms rise or wane," 

but the old Dutch burgher would still have retained his 
Dutch ideas and Dutch customs, would still have looked 
with horror upon all innovations and improvements as plots 
of Satan against his peace and comfort. 

" Rocks have been shaken from their solid base," but 
never a Dutchman from his immovable prejudices. For 
more than a hundred years did these doughty mynheers 
wage an obstinate fight against the progressive spirit of their 
English rulers and neighbors. Conquered at the beginning 
of this century, they sleep peacefully, while the hated 
improvements go on over their very graves. Ah ! they 
fought a valiant fight, those venerable Knickerbockers of 
by-gone days. 

Twenty years before the English conquest, the people of 
the province, weary of Dutch tyranny, had compelled their 
governor, Peter Stuyvesant, commonly called " Hardkoppig 
Pieter " because of his extreme obstinacy, to surrender to 
an English fleet, which had appeared in New York harbor. 
The brave old warrior had at first refused to deliver up the 
trust reposed in him. For days he had maintained an 
obstinate resistance, duiing which he cursed alternately the 
rapacity of the English invaders and the stubbornness of his 

207 



Dutch subjects, who would neither fight nor furnish him 
with money or arms with which to carry on the defence of 
the city. Under such conditions resistance was in vain, 
and the fierce old governor, yielding to the angry threats 
of his subjects, " cowardly poltroons, one and all," said he, 
accepted the English terms. Thus, in the book of Time, 
was written the first cliapter'of Albimy's history. This act 
was the beginning of a great change, which, taking place 
gradually and imperceptibly, would none the less surely 
convert a small and primitive village into a large and flour- 
ishing city. It was the beginning of the inevitable conflict 
between progress, personified in the English, and conserva- 
tism, embodied in the Dutch. No matter upon what 
vantage ground these two elements have met, the victory 
has been ever to progress, and this was no exception to 
the rule. Still, the pithy saying, " Rome was not built in 
a day," might, with propriety, be apphed to the change 
which took place ; not suddenly and violently, but so slowly 
and imperceptibly that no sign of the gradual wearing away 
of old ideas and customs and of new ones replacing these 
was given. The English made little change in the govern- 
ment or laws, but allowed the Dutch to manage their 
weighty pubhc affairs in whatsoever manner best accorded 
with their consciences and their prejudices. An English 
governor replaced Stuyvesant, and the taxes were paid to 
the English instead of to the Dutch government. Beyond 
this no outward change was made. 

Shortly before the English conquest the Dutch, with an 
overwhelming zeal for the spread of true worship, had per- 
secuted and banished the Lutherans. But the religious 
intolerance of the Dutch was obnoxious to the spirit of 
English freedom, and in 1669, Governor Eovelace, in a 
proclamation, said : " I do, therefore, expect that you live 
friendly and peacefully with those of that profession, giving 
them no disturbance in the exercise of their religion ; " thus 
establishing for the first time in Albany the grand principle 
of religious freedom, a principle of which the honest, but 
slow minded Dutch, knew nothing. 

Shortly after, but at what time is uncertain, they were per- 
mitted by the English to build a meeting-house. This the 
Dutch had always sternly refused to permit them to do. 
The old Dutch Church on hearing this fairly trembled with 
indignation. As for the people, their anger and amazement 

208 



could scarcely have been greater had they been ordered to 
tear down their own substantial building stone by stone. 

Notwithstanding the bigotry of the Dutch, they pursued 
a most kind and hberal policy toward the Indians, — for 
policy it was, as it was dictated by self-interest. When his 
gains were concerned the Dutchman's intellect brightened. 
His eagle eye for discerning anything of benefit to his 
trade, soon perceived how necessary it was to gain the 
friendship of the Indians. Originally settled by traders 
whose object had been to obtain wealth through the 
resources of a new country, Albany grew slowly but surely 
through its trade in furs. Thither came the Indians of the 
Five Nations, ever at deadly enmity with the Canadian 
Indians and their allies, the French, whenever they had 
furs to sell, to obtain the trinkets that delighted their savage 
hearts ; and so it came about that friendly relations were 
established between them and the Dutch to the advantage 
of both, and also that they became allies of the Dutch 
against the French, who had always claimed the New 
Netherlands by the right of prior discovery, and regarded 
the Dutch as intruders to be expelled. Upon the first 
setdement of Albany, the Dutch made a perpetual treaty 
with the Indians, which was kept by both nations for over 
fifty years, and never broken. The English, after their 
conquest, renewed this treaty and did everything in their 
power to cement a firm alhance with the Indians. Perceiv- 
ing the important situation of Albany for trade, the Enghsh 
governors, ahke good, bad, and indifferent, pursued the same 
wise policy with even greater success than their Dutch pred- 
ecessors. With hostile French and Indians ready at any 
moment to swoop down upon the almost defenceless settle- 
ment, the freedom from attack which Albany enjoyed 
during a long and stormy period was largely due to the 
alhance and protection of the Indians of the Five Nations. 
Those same Enghsh governors, against whom the colonists 
contended so long and fiercely, builded better than they 
knew, when they provided so well for Albany's safety and 
trade, for by keeping to the terms of the treaty they raised 
up a defence to the city stronger than any wall. 

One change was noticeable after the English conquest. 
Whereas the population of the village before that time had 
consisted of traders and adventurers, after that time mechan- 
ics and laborers began to come and settle permanently there. 

209 



The conquest affected Albany but little during the first 
hundred years of her history. Easier was it for Hercules to 
slay the Nemean lion than for the English to destroy the 
prejudices of the Dutch. As the skin of the lion bade 
defiance to every weapon, so the intellect of the Dutch 
could not be pierced by any idea. Under the new rule, 
the Dutch enjoyed even more of freedom than before, for 
the village grew more under English rule in twenty years 
than under Dutch rule in fifty. 

In the year 1686 the city of Albany sprang forth fully 
epuipped and armed with the charter, as did Athena, with 
the ^gis from the head of Zeus. " Pieter Schuyler, 
gent., and Robert Livingston, gent., commissionated by 
ye city of Albany " had been sent to New York to 
procure this charter, and had urged Gov. Dongan to grant 
it, because Albany was a " very ancient city," and the 
inhabitants had already erected, at their own expense, a 
town hall, a watch tower and a church. After many " whys " 
and " wherefores," and much earnest talking, the charter was 
at length obtained. The quaint old records tell us that after 
the return of Mynheers Schuyler and Livingston, the char- 
ter was published with " all ye joy and acclimations miagin- 
able." Then in the most mtensely solemn Dutch way, 
Pieter Schuyler was sworn in as mayor, and Robert Living- 
ston as town clerk. No doubt the good townspeople con- 
gratulated themselves on the advance and prosperity of 
Albany. Each stately Dutch burgher, as he walked the 
street, strove to put on an added dignity; the buildings tried 
to increase in size ; the gable ends to bristle more aggress- 
ively ; while even the weather-cocks on the roofs appeared 
ready to crow more lustily than ever before. If our Dutch 
ancestors were able to reappear in the streets of Albany to-day, 
what words could describe their astonishment at the changes 
made by the resdess and abhorred Yankee ! Their wonder 
would be greater than was Rip Van Winkle's upon his reap 
pearance in his native town at the end of his long slumber. 

If we had visited Albany in 1686, what should we have 
seen ? After a long, tedious voyage from New York, for 
the Dutch skipper was a Fabius on a small scale, and 
dropped anchor every night at sunset, we would have beheld 
a city whose very quaintness was refreshing to the eye. As 
we glanced around we would have taken note of the old 
Dutch houses, with their gable ends to the street, and upon 



210 



each house the date of its erection in large curious iron 
figures across the end, and of the old Dutch church standing 
in solitary grandeur at the foot of State street. 

Possibly we might have seen Mynheer leisurely smoking on 
the front " stoop," while his children played about the foot of 
it; looking into the bright kitchen with its sanded floor, we 
might have seen his good Vrouw and daughter preparing the 
dinner of their lord and master, or busily engaged in scouring 
the already spotless pots and pans. We may have seen a 
dear son, returning from his first attempt at trade with the 
Indians, and may have heard him tell of the perils he had 
undergone and the bargains he had made, while his mother, 
woman-like, shudders at the dangers he has encountered, 
and thanks the good God who has preserved her Jacob 
uninjured. Everything was primitive, — people, streets, man- 
ners, and ideas. The bustle and haste of modern life had 
not yet touched this gem of the antique. Simplicity and 
honest-hearted kindness were the chief qualities of the people. 
Everything, both animate and inanimate, was characterized 
by quietness and quaintness. 

As we pass through the streets of Albany to-day, two 
hundred years later, what do we see ? Glancing around we 
behold the degenerate descendants of the ancient burghers 
jostling each other in the streets; and the noises heard on 
every side are bewildering. The old-time inactivity and 
slowness has died a natural death ; Yankee activity reigns 
supreme. Oh ! it is well that Peter Schuyler, the first of 
Albany's worthy mayors, did not live to see the day. His 
very wig would have trembled with dismay at the sight of 
our " modern improvements." Could he view the city he 
might say : 

" Once more I stand, but now unknown by sacred Hudson's tide, 

With unfamiliar scenes around, no friendly hand to guide, 

P'or in Albany, forsooth, they've been working such a change, 

With their modern innovations, that the place looks very strange. 

All the old lanes and pasture fields with clover tops so fair, 

Are lost to sight, no fences left, no shady bouweries there. 

Old places once so very dear to these old eyes of mine 

Are scattered like the hoar-frost by the ruthless hand of time. 

Old things have changed so quickly since last I saw the town ; 

The honest old Dutch customs ; the degenerated race 

Has begun with its improvements to wipe out the old Dutch place. 

I would not care to live, and see such altered folks and ways, 

Since half-doors swung wide open in those palmy old Dutch days, 

When streets were cleaned by private hand, and all the city's light 

Was furnished by the lanterns hung from each tenth house in sight." 

211 



" Yet, call not each glorious change decay," though Peter 
Schuyler, should he see the city, might lament the passing 
away of the olden time, even he must acknowledge that 
Albany has changed for the better. 

No longer in need of stockades for her defence, she lives 
in peace and grows in prosperity ; no longer the worthy 
Dutchman discourses at the street corner the price of beaver 
skins or exults over his latest bargain. All, all is gone, even 
old Albany herself has disappeared. Well may our hearts 
swell with pride, as Albany is seen stretching over her many 
hills, and the numerous evidences of her growth and prosperity 
are beheld. Proud is Albany to-day of her City Hall, which 
has replaced the ancient Stadt-house ; of her Capitol, which 
towers so grandly at the head of State Street ; a landmark for 
many miles around ; of the High School and the other public 
schools, which shows what Albany is doing for the cause of 
free education ; of the many other public buildings which have 
replaced the old and worn-out structures ; of the city itself as 
it stands to-day, an advance and improvement upon the one 
which the old Dutch burghers called Albany. 

The old Dutch burgher was stolid and substantial, with 
an unutterable contempt of all useless haste Honest, sober, 
frugal, industrious, he had many virtues and few vices. 
Yet like the Greek hero Achilles, he was vulnerable in one 
point, his pocket. A bargain to a Dutchman was a joy 
forever. As far as the rays of his light stretched, he was 
honest, but his ideas of honesty were not as strict as those 
of his Yankee neighbors, and his love of driving a shaip 
bargain occasionally led him into questionable dealings with 
the Indians. Yet, in justice to the Dutch, it must be said, 
that the strictest laws were enacted and enforced against 
dishonest trading. Indeed, the utmost strictness of life, 
manners, and morals prevailed in those days. The simplicity 
of the people was remarkable. Unpretentious and unam- 
bitious, their wants were easily satisfied. One who lived for 
many years among the Dutch says of them : " The very 
idea of being ashamed of anything that was neither vicious 
nor indecent, never entered an Albanian head." The 
desire for show and display, so prominent in the life of 
modern American cities, was entirely wanting. The fickle 
goddess fashion had no worshippers among them. 

By their manners and customs must the civilization of a 
people be judged, and as we read of the honest, true life of 



212 



the Dutch settlers our respect and admiration for them 
increase. 

The typical Dutchman was not only unchangeable in his 
ideas, but the thought of changing had not even entered his 
mind. Not easily moved to anger or strong emotion of 
any kind, he neither could, nor would, become an enthusiast 
on any subject. As he was slow in thought, so was he also 
slow in speech and motion. 

In former days it took a Dutch captain more than a week 
to go to New York. Very Ukely the Dutch skipper would 
still be sailing up and down the Hudson, taking a week for 
each trip, if an enterprising Yankee had not invented the 
steamboat. When Fulton, in 1807, ran his first steamboat 
from New York, he caused one of the changes which were 
to develop Albany in spite of herself We can readily 
believe that, when the steamboat arrived at Albany, the 
people crowded to see the great wonder, and pressing con- 
tinuously forward, gazed upon the puffing monster, and 
ventured many wise opinions as to the impossibility of its 
making a second trip, while the more superstitious made 
anxious suggestions that it might be bewitched. The Dutch 
were slow in receiving new ideas. The Dutchman could 
maintain an obstinate resistance, but could never act aggres- 
sively. According to the old adage " nothing venture, 
nothing have," he would have remained poor all his days, 
if opportunities for making money had not knocked at his 
very door. Like the animal whose skin he sought to obtain, 
he heaped together his wealth. As the beaver builds his 
dam slowly and perseveringly, so the Dutchman accumulated 
a fortune. 

Though the Dutch were not fanatics, yet in their own 
calm, quiet way they were strongly attached to the religion 
for which their fathers had bled and died. After the colony 
had become firmly established, in 1642, they erected a 
church, a wooden iDuilding, which is said to have cost the 
magnificent sum of thirty-two dollars. It contained a pulpit 
ornamented with a canopy, pews for the magistrates and 
deacons, and nine benches for the congregation. The Rev. 
Johannes Megapolensis, a "pious and well-learned minister," 
was invited to become the shepherd of the Beaverwyck 
sheep. This church was used by the faithful till 1656, when 
the city fathers caused a stone church to be erected. Tradi- 
tion saith that its walls were carried up around those of the 



213 



old church, and service was only interrupted for three 
Sundays. The building, a fortress in itself, was a quaint, 
old-fashioned structure, which was used till 1715, when it 
was in turn replaced by a new one. Like the Puritans, the 
Dutch worshipped their Maker with arms at their sides. 
Alas ! that the church, that most revered relic of the past, 
has disappeared ! Methinks 

" I see the pulpit high, an octagon ; 

Its pedestal, doop-hiiisje and winding stair ; 

And room within for one, and one alone. 

A canopy above, suspended there. 

No spire, no bell, but 'neath the eaves a porch. 

With trumpet hung to summon all to church ; 

Till innovation brought stoves, bell, and spire, 

Floors, straight-backed pews, vorleeser ■a.wA. a choir." 

From this pulpit many gifted and eloquent divines de- 
nounced the sins and errors of their people, and often ad- 
ministered pubUc reproofs to offenders. The Rev. Johannes 
Megapolensis, Dominie Frelinghuysen, who came to such a 
sad end, and " Our Westerloo," the beloved of his flock, 
exhorted the stohd Dutch from this place. 

On the front of the pulpit was placed an hour-glass, when 
the dominie began his sermon, and he would have been 
found wanting if he had preached less than an hour. In 
the midst of his sermon he would suddenly pause, and the 
deacons rising would take a small bag containing a little 
bell and attached to the end of a staff. " The tinkle of the 
bell roused the sleepy and diverted the busy thoughts of the 
trader from musk-rat and beaver skins." The bags with 
their load of coppers and half-joes being duly replaced, the 
dominie resumed the broken thread of his discourse. The 
collections, out of which the church poor were supported, 
were always surprisingly large when the size of the congre- 
gations is considered. 

This church, standing in the middle of the street and 
" looking as if it had been wheeled out of line by the 
giants of old and there left, or had dropped from the clouds 
in a dark night and stuck fast," was enshrined in every Dutch 
heart. The oldest recollection of each person about his 
childhood was of going to this church every Sunday. Even 
till long after the year 1800 it was filled with the devout 
Dutch who, still clinging to the worship of their ancestors, 
gathered here every Dord's day. In the year 1816, amid 
groans and lamentations on every side, it was demolished, 

214 



and the materials were used for building the church in Beaver 
Street. The Dutch, though not as stern and strict as the 
people of New England, were faithful and conscientious in 
performing their rehgious duties. They were devoted exclu- 
sively to the doctrines and practices of the Reformed Church. 

"They had this much, — 
The gospel undefiled in Holland Dutch." 

The Dutch retained the customs which they had brought 
from Holland, till long after the Revolution ; celebrated the 
same festivals ; worshiped in the same way ; and ate, drank, 
walked, and slept after the fashion of their ancestors. They 
paid little honor to Keestijd (Christmas) but Nieinvjaarsdag 
was the most important in the year. It was the day of the 
good St. Nicholas, the children's friend, the jolly, fat, roister- 
ing little man, the lover of ease and plenty, the giver of all 
good gifts, who made his appearance then, sometimes having 
his good vrouw Molly Grietje with him. Had we entered 
one of the houses in the evening before New Years' Day, we 
would have seen the children gathered before the large fire- 
place, hand-in-hand beseeching him for gifts. The day was 
celebrated with all the ancient Dutch hospitahty and warm- 
heartedness. Then, as now it was a day of hearty good 
wishes. Every door was thrown open to visitors, the rooms 
were draped with orange, the national color, and refresh- 
ments were served to all. An air of comfort characterized 
the Dutch homes. No one was either very rich, or very 
poor; an equaHty of condition belonged to all. As they 
increased in wealth, the burghers began to import clothing, 
handsome furniture, and silver. The houses were built of 
Holland brick, and the roofs covered, with shingles, were 
pamted in bright colors. 

A pleasant place was the old kitchen, with its shining 
sanded floor, marked with figures traced with a broom stick ; 
the rafter-covered ceiling, its large chimney-place, around 
which were hung the housekeeper's array of pots and pans, 
and the warm fire-light glowing over all, and difiusing an 
air of comfort. Here gathered the household every evening 
while the Jufvrouw spun her linen and Mynheer smoked his 
pipe. On the settle by the fireplace sat Grandmother with 
the little Dutch lads and lasses clustering around her, listen- 
ing with bated breath to her legends of Hendrick Hudson 
and his followers, or the tales of the time when she was a 

215 



girl in Holland. How the hearts of the little people must 
have quaked with fear, as they heard of the many unfor- 
tunates who, having wandered into the mountains, had been 
bewitched by the spirits there. It was the earnest desire of 
all parents that their children should grow up faithful and 
pious. In recording the birth of Pieter Schuyler, his 
parents said : " May the Lord let him grow up in virtue to 
his salvation. Amen." Their wish was granted, for their 
son was a deacon of the church before his twenty-fifth year. 

An octavo volume would not suffice in which to tell of all 
the queer old Dutch customs and ideas. Many of the laws 
enacted by the Common Council show clearly how quaint 
was old Dutch life. As an instance of the strictness of those 
times, we see the following law set down in the old records : 

" Whereas, ye children of said city, to ye shame and 
scandal of their parents do ryde down ye hills with small and 
great slees ; for preventing ye same it is hereby published 
and declared that it shall be lawful for any constable in this 
city to take any slee or slees from all such boys or girls 
ryding or offering to ryde down any hill in this city, and 
break any such slee or slees in pieces ! " Which was forth- 
with done to the dire dismay of ye said boys and girls. It 
has been said by their detractors that the Dutch were 
immovable, but 'tis false. Moving day, that day of terrors 
to every well regulated mind, was even then the first of 
May. Man)'- other customs belonging to the olden times 
still cling to Albany to-day. 

So time went on with the Dutch ever behind it, and at 
the beginning of the Revolution Albany had scarcely 
changed any since its birth as a city. Would this rouse the 
sleepy burghers ? No, not even were the stirring events of 
this glorious time sufficient to awaken the Dutch to enthu- 
siasm. The fortifications of the city were strengthened, and 
the inhabitants stayed safely at home. Yet a few patriotic 
citizens, some by contributing arms and many others by 
giving themselves, helped on the good cause. The most 
notable among these was Gen. Philip Schuyler, a statesman, 
patriot, and soldier, a man of talent and honor, of whom the 
city of his birth is justly proud. Distinguished alike in war 
and peace, he was one of the most noted of that band of 
Revolutionary heroes, who defended the liberty of their 
country so bravely and well. 

Up to this time Albany had resisted the attacks of prog- 

2i6 



ress. " Old as it was it still retained its primitive aspect, 
and still stood in all its original simplicity, unchanged, 
unmodified, unimproved, still pertinaciously adhering in all 
its walks to the old track and the old form. The rude hand 
of innovation was then just beginning to be felt ; and slight 
as was the touch, it was regarded as an injury, or resented 
as an insult." 

At the end of the Revolution, induced by Albany's favor- 
able situation for trade, the Yankees invaded the sleepy 
town. Stoutly did the Dutch resist the intruders, bravely 
did they fall, victims of modern improvements. 

Among the curiosities of the city were the water-spouts, 
long wooden gutters which projected six or seven feet from 
the roof over the sidewalk, making it impossible for any one 
to pass under them without receiving in its most literal sense, 
a shower-bath. The Dutch with their usual obtuseness 
clung to the water-spouts, and had not discovered in two 
hundred years, the uselessness of these appendages. But 
the quick-witted Yankees soon tried to aboHsh these rem- 
nants of Dutch slowness. Obtaining a majority in the 
Common Council, a ruthless order was sent to each sturdy 
burgher, accompanied by a hand-saw, and further enforced 
by a fine of 40^', to cut down his water-spouts. Then indeed 
wonder and dismay filled the Dutch camp. What ! cut 
down their own spouts, which their forefathers had brought 
from Holland. Never ! but the fine pricked the Dutch in 
their tenderest point, and as it was of no use to kick against 
the pricks, each valorous citizen succumbed. " From this 
time a restless leveling spirit prevailed throughout the city." 

But a short time and we will celebrate Albany's Two 
Hundredth Birthday with merry-making and feasting, and by 
entertaining hordes of country cousins. Every object will 
be shown which will tend to display the greatness of Albany to 
the eyes of our own visitors, for Albanian hearts are filled with 
sudden and mighty pride, and great is their feeling of exalta- 
tion. And they have just reason to be proud of Albany, so 
rich in historical associations, which has the memory of so 
many great men to be proud of. " Dearest art thou for the 
years that have flown." Thither was brought Lord Howe's 
body, after his death, for burial ; here Washington and La 
Fayette were received with great demonstrations of joy and 
respect; here passed the bodies of Lincoln and Grant; here 
was made the first attempt at union ; for in 1754a Continental 



217 



Congress met at Albany, composed of delegates from almost 
all the colonies, to form a plan for their closer union. 
Through the tireless efforts of Benjamin Franklin, its presi- 
dent, a plan was adopted, but Great Britain, influenced by 
jealousy of the increasing power of the young colonies, 
refused her consent to a closer union, and thus hastened 
their revolt against tyranny. It has been said " coming 
events cast their shadows before." Surely this unsuccessful 
attempt was the shadow of the glorious union of the States, 
which was afterward to take place. 

In spite of the prejudice of the Dutch, it is to Yankee 
enterprise, restrained by Dutch conservatism, that this city 
owes its prosperity. The quickness, energy, and ambition 
of the Yankee did much for Albany, yet the slowness of 
the Dutch often held him back, when his ambition might 
have been dangerous to the city. The prosperity of Albany, 
which was built by the Yankee, on a Dutch foundation, is 
firm to endure. 

In the year 1797, when Albany became the capital of 
New York State, the little Dutch city was doomed to prosper 
in spite of herself. Trade would come to her, she could not 
drive it from her door and retain her reputation of hospitality. 
After that year her growth was comparatively rapid. Yet, 
let us not be exalted. When compared with that of Western 
cities, of even less favorable situation, her growth has been 
slow. The city grew, because the trade of the West passed 
through her. As the West developed, Albany increased in 
wealth. The Erie Canal conduced greatly to the prosperity 
of Albany, for it benefited her as much as it did New York. 
From the date of the completion of this enterprise must the 
rapid growth of Albany be said to begin. Perchance 
it may be thought by some, that the Dutch have been 
slandered. I honor and reverence those who braved the 
dangers of a new land and raised a city in the wilderness, 
whose honest, true hearts knew neither pretense nor evil. 
Though they had their faults and foibles, yet in these 
degenerate days, where can be found a people so worthy of 
admiration as they ? Their blood was the same as that 
which ran in the veins of those heroes who so bravely 
resisted Spanish tyranny and fought for their liberty and 
faith. It was in the same spirit of heroism and endurance 
that the settlers bore so staunchly all the trials and privations 
of a pioneer's life. From 1800, the history of Albany is 

218 



like that of any American city in the nineteenth century. 

It might be written in one word — " progress." 
Janetza Van Schaack, 
Elizabeth Griswold Davidson. 

Boys' Prize. 



Albany's history and growth in two centuries. 

Let your imagination carry you back three hundred years 
and let your fancy paint the present site of Albany, as it then 
existed. Picture to yourself, if you can, the broad and 
stately Hudson, then called by the Indians in their musical 
tongue, the Cohotatea, rolling onward toward the sea in its 
serpentine course, between gracefully sloping hills covered 
with oaks, pines, elms and other forest trees. No grand 
and massive capitol then loomed up from its western bank, 
like the castle of a giant amid the dwellings of a liliputian 
city, but in its stead the council fires of many a now extinct 
race probably burned. The agile deer had their haunts 
where our busiest thorough-fares now are, and the beaver 
built his dam in the many little creeks, which mingle 
their waters with the Hudson's to this day. Silence every- 
where held its sway, save when broken by the occasional 
war-whoop of contending nations, or by the wild cries of 
the denizens of the forest. Such was the nature and 
character of the district and surrounding country, upon 
which, our city has been founded and reared. 

After the discovery of America by Columbus, several 
other European nations fitted out fleets and sent them to 
the New World for the purpose of discovery and exploration. 
Verrazzani commanded one of the expeditions dispatched 
by France and in 1524, explored the eastern coast of 
America from North Carolina to Nova Scotia and also, it is 
claimed, discovered the Hudson. This latter is disputed, 
but however it may be, when the Dutch came up the river, 
they found the ruins of a chateau or fort upon an island 
just below the site of Albany, which proved the French 
must have been aware of the existence of the river and 
had, no doubt, come there to trade with savages for furs. 

Early in 1607, Henry Hudson set sail from Holland in the 
ship Half Moon, to find a shorter passage to Asia than the 
one discovered by Magellan, around the southern extremity 
of the continent. He had heard from the John Smith of 

219 



Pocohontas renown, that a little north of Virginia, was a 
great inland sea extending to the East Indies. Acting upon 
this information, Hudson sailed to America and followed the 
coast from Newfoundland to New York bay, which he 
entered. He then proceeded up the river for two or three 
days and finally anchored near the site of Albany, while he 
dispatched his mate in a boat several miles farther up the 
river, but the officer returned in a few hours with the news 
that the channel grew narrower and shallower, the further the 
boat advanced. The next day, convinced of the falsity of 
Smith's statements, Hudson reluctantly weighed anchor 
and, dropping down the river returned to Holland. 

In the following year, instigated by the reports of the 
sailors, who had accompanied Hudson, a number of capital- 
ists sent a vessel to the river discovered by him, and obtained 
a rich cargo of furs. Several other ventures were made with 
hke results and in 1614 a trading post was estabhshed at 
Manhattan Island, and another also, upon an island just 
below this city. The latter structure was destroyed by a 
freshet and a fort was then built upon the western bank of 
the river, near the present locaUty of the steamboat landing. 

About this time the Dutch West India company was 
organized and to promote colonization, issued a proclama- 
tion to the etfect, that whoever should plant a colony of fifty 
persons, over fifteen years of age, would be made a patroon 
and would be granted a tract of land extending sixteen 
miles along one bank of the river, or eight miles along both, 
said tract to extend an indefinite distance into the interior. 
Kilian Van Rensselaer was the first to become a patroon 
and he took up his land on both sides of the Hudson, about 
Fort Orange. He afterward took up more large tracts and 
also, united himself with other patroons in such a manner 
as to become the head of a httle government of his own. 
The colony at New Amsterdam began to grow jealous of 
the power of Van Rensselaer and claims were made therefore 
to Fort Orange and all the adjoining land within cannon 
shot, on the ground that the houses of the settlers being 
built close to the walls, would, in case of an Indian attack, 
shelter the assailants, to the detriment of the besieged within 
the fort. After much quarreling and almost fighting, between 
the patroon's agent and sturdy, old Peter Stuyvesant, the 
governor of New Amsterdam, the matter was decided in the 
latter's favor. 



220 



The rich province of New Netherland had long been 
looked upon by the English with covetous eyes, and in 1664, 
that nation declared the colony was included in their pos- 
sessions, by virtue of the discoveries and explorations of the 
Cabots in 1498, and also that it was part of the territory 
granted to Raleigh in 1584 by Queen Elizabeth. There- 
fore, in 1664, the merry Charles II. gave the New Nether- 
lands to his brother the duke of York and Albany, and to 
make the gift good, a number of vessels of war were sent 
to take formal possession of the country, which was done 
without bloodshed. The name New Amsterdam, was 
changed to New York, and Fort Orange or Beverwyck was 
called Albany. No alterations were made in the government 
or laws of the colony, except that an English governor 
superseded Stuyvesant. Everything under the new adminis- 
tration ran along quietly, with the exception of occasional 
troubles with the French and Indians, until 1672, when war 
was again declared between Holland and England. One 
year later a Dutch fleet appeared before New York and 
forced the English to capitulate ; but the triumph was short- 
lived, for in the following year, the Dutch were once more 
compelled to yield to the English. 

In the spring of 1686, while Governor Dongan was at 
Albany, he was solicited by the leading inhabitants to incor- 
porate the village as a city. This he did on the 2 2d day of 
July, 1686. From this time up to the close of the French 
and Indian war, the history of our city is an account of the 
numerous incursions of the French and their native allies on 
the one hand, and the counter raids of the Mohawks upon 
the Canadian settlements on the other ; both France and 
England desiring the Ohio valley country and the entire fur 
trade thereof. This trouble was finally settled when Canada 
passed into the hands of the English. 

The period extending from 1763 to 1774 marks the grad- 
ual alienation of the colonies from the mother country. A 
desire for greater liberty and freedom from restraint had 
begun to spring up in the breasts of the colonists, and this, 
together with such obnoxious measures as the " Stamp act," 
the tax upon tea and other taxes of like nature, was the 
direct cause of the revolution. In 1775, war was declared 
with Great Britain, and from the first, Albany and New 
York, on account of their central positions between the two 
great fields of the contest, were points of strategy much 



221 



desired by the British. If both of these places could have 
been taken by the English, the forces of Washington would 
have been separated, and the complete subjuation of our 
forefathers would have been only a matter of time. But 
Albany did not fall into the hands of the British ; Burgoyne 
was defeated and captured, and he visited, as a prisoner, 
the place he had intended to enter as a conqueror. After 
the war the people returned to their homes and engaged in 
various mercantile and agricultural pursuits, so much so in 
the latter however, that Albany soon became noted as a 
grain mart. 

Three years after the signing of the treaty of peace, our 
city celebrated its hundredth anniversary commemorating its 
incorporation as a city. A grand parade was held in which 
all the city officers and the various civic and military organi- 
zations participated. After the hne had been broken, the 
ceremonies were completed by their adjourning to the city 
tavern where they regaled themselves with all the delicacies 
of the season. 

In the year 1797, during the governorship of John Jay, 
the seat of the State government was transferred from New 
York to Albany, which has been ever since and will prob- 
ably continue to be, the capital city. 

1799 was a memorable year for this country, for at its 
close it left the nation plunged in sorrow. General George 
Washington, the " Saviour of his country," and twice presi- 
dent of the United States, on the 14th day of December 
passed from the scenes of this world to those of a better. 
At this period of national grief, our city showed by its con- 
duct its love and respect for the departed hero. When the 
sad tidings reached Albany, the common council met and 
ordered the bells to be tolled, minute guns fired, and also 
that crape should be worn by the members of the council 
for a suitable period. The churches were draped and the 
flags upon all the public buildings floated at half mast, and 
on the 9th day of January a funeral pageant passed through 
the streets of the city in honor of the dead warrior and 
statesman. 

In 1805, the old Dutch church, which had stood so long 
at the intersection of State and Market (Broadway) streets, 
was torn down and the material used in the construction of 
the South Dutch church on Beaver street. Of the former 
edifice only the stone which marked the threshold was left. 



222 



This remained in its place until some years ago, when, for 
some reason or other, it was removed. I think a relic so 
frought with historical associations ought to be restored by 
the city government, and proper precautions taken to pre- 
serve it, for it would be an object of interest to both citizens 
and strangers, especially during the coming Bi-centennial. 

Two years later the Clermont was constructed and launched 
at New York by Robert Fulton. Thjs was the beginning of 
the great epoch of steam navigation, and for many years the 
above named vessel pUed between Albany and New York, 
the only steamboat in the world. 

In the following year the old State capitol, which was 
demolished a few years since, was erected. This, in its day, 
was regarded as one of the finest public buildings in the 
United States. 

In 1817, an act was passed authorizing the construction 
of a water-way between the great lakes and the Atlantic 
ocean. The work was begun shortly after, and in 1825 the 
great Erie canal was finished. The second day of Novem- 
ber was made a grand gala day in honor of its completion. 
After a great river parade, and military review amid the 
booming of cannons, a banquet was held, during which " red " 
wine was " looked upon " freely. 

From this time up to the present year, Albany has steadily 
increased in size and resources. It might be interesting to 
show the city's growth in figures. In 1714, there were eleven 
hundred thirty-six inhabitants; in 1800, five thousand three 
hundred forty-nine; in 1850, fifty thousand seven hundred 
sixty-three; and in 1880, there were ninety thousand nine 
hundred three. Thus we see that the population of our 
city has increased ten fold in the last eighty years. But 
Albany has made progress in other ways also. Since the 
construction of the Flrie canal, a great railroad, extending 
from New York to Buffalo, has been built, which, passing 
through our city, adds gready to its commercial importance. 
At West Albany, a suberb of the city, the immense shops 
of the above mentioned railroad are located, where all their 
engines and cars are manufactured and repaired, furnishing 
employment to hundreds of workingmen. In another 
section of the city, known as the Lumber district, vast quanti- 
ties of timber are annually bought and sold ; and in fact, our 
city has the reputation of being one of the largest lumber 
centres in this part of the country. 



223 



Albany's fame does not rest, like that of many cities, upon 
some one brilliant event or achievement, but upon a series 
of events, which constitute its history. Although our city 
has figured rather prominently in the colonial and revolu- 
tionary wars, yet its inhabitants have never seen a besieging 
army encamped about it. All hostile commanders who have 
ever commenced a campaign with this city as their destina- 
tion have only entered it as a prisoner of war instead of as 
a conqueror at the head of a victorious army. 

In a few short months our city will celebrate its two hun- 
dredth birthday, and, as was done one hundred years ago, 
the matter was referred to the common council, and as the 
centennial celebration of the city's incorporation was the 
greatest affair of the kind ever witnessed in this country at 
the time, so it is intended to make the Bi-centennial no ex- 
ception to the rule. Many plans have been devised and 
submitted to the committee appointed, and of these the best 
have been chosen and amended and a programme made 
out, which, according to report, will eclipse any preceding 
atfair of a similar nature and be second only to the great 
centennial celebration at Philadelphia in 1876. 

COHOTATEA. 



Grand Parade of Manufacturers, Tradesmen 
AND Mechanics. 



TRADES DAY PARADE. 
Gen. Warner issued the following general orders : 
Headquarters Trades' Day Parade, ^ 
Albany, July 15, 1886. > 

General Orders No. 6 : 

I. The route of march will be as follows : State, 
North Pearl, Clinton avenue, Lexington avenue, 
Washington avenue, Eagle, State, Willett, Hudson 
avenue to Broadway. 

n. First division, Capt. Thomas J. Dowling, assist- 
ant marshal, in charge, will form on west side of North 

224 



Broadway, right resting on State street. Second 
division, Major Lewis Balch, assistant marshal, in 
charge, will form on east side of South Broadway, 
right resting on State street. Third division. Col. 
Alexander Strain, assistant marshal, in charge, will 
form on Green street, right resting on State street. 
Fourth division, Capt. Morton H. Havens, assistant 
marshal, in charge, will form on James street, right 
resting on State street. Fifth division, Capt. Fred W. 
Sarauw, assistant marshal, in charge, will form on 
south side of State street, continuing down Eagle 
street, right resting on Pearl street, 

III. The column will move promptly at three P. M., 
whether the formation is complete or not. 

IV. The assistant marshals of the second, third, 
fourth and fifth divisions should assemble their 
divisions at one P. M., to afford ample time for proper 
formation. The assistant marshal of the first division 
should assemble his division at two P. M. The 
various parties forming the column are requested to 
join their respective divisions from the left, to avoid 
confusion. 

V. The following staff is hereby announced : 
Capt. Harry C. Cushman, William M. Whitney, Jr., 
E. R. Perry, Guy Baker, E. A. Kellogg, Newton 
Dexter, George D. Herrick, aides. The staff will 
report, mounted, Monday, July 19, at one P. M., at 
headquarters, 480 Broadway. 

By order of 

General James M. Warner, Marshal. 
Geo. H. Treadwell, Assistant Marshal. 



225 



The title trades' parade did not sound very 
inviting, perhaps, and the general public did not 
know quite what to expect. Such an elaborate and 
artistic array, and such a marshaling of brawn and 
muscle in serried ranks, no one was at all prepared for. 

Marshal Warner took command, and he had the 
assistance of a capable staff. He had given his word 
that the column should move at three o'clock, and 
although at five minutes of that hour wagons were 
streaming in from every street, the hands of the clock 
had traveled but a short distance when the first 
division, composed of men on foot, marched down 
Broadway and up State street. Division after division 
fell into line rapidly and in order, and the only break 
in the entire procession were those caused occasion- 
ally by balky horses. The route of march was 
carried out as printed, the line passing from State to 
Pearl, from Pearl to Clinton avenue, to Lexington 
avenue, to Washington avenue, to Eagle, to State, to 
Willett, to Hudson avenue, to Broadway. The column 
was an hour and twenty-five minutes in passing a 
given spot, and the first division had reached the 
point of dismissal as the last wagon wheeled into 
Pearl street. 

FEATURES OF THE PARADE. 
It is doubtful if a larger crowd has ever been seen 
in the streets of Albany. Some of the enterprising 
merchants threw their wares broadcast or distributed 
prizes for advertisements. Cakes of soap were thrown 
directly into the crowds, regardless of whether they 
landed on a twenty dollar bonnet or in the out- 

226 



stretched hand of a dirty ragamuffin. A baker 
tossed from his oven bread and cakes ; confectioners 
and pop- corn makers bombarded the crowds with 
their sweetmeats ; a clothier threw balls for those who 
could catch them, and a music publisher dropped 
from his wagon dainty rolls of music. And then 
what a scramble there was. 

The First Division. 



MECHANICS AND ARTISANS MARCHING TO MARTIAL 

MUSIC. 

At the head of the first division rode the marshal, 
Gen. James M. Warner, with his efficient chief of 
staff. Major George H. Treadwell and the following 
staff: Capt. Harry C. Cushman, William M, Whitney, 
Jr., E. R. Perry, Guy Baker, E. A. Kellogg, Newton 
Dexter and George D. Herrick. 

The first division, consisting of Knights of Labor, 
trades unions and labor organizations, formed on 
the east side of North Broadway, right resting on 
State street. Marshal Dowling divided his division 
into four sub-divisions, as follows : 

First — carpenters, machine wood-workers, shoe- 
makers, building protective association, morocco- 
dressers. 

Second — painters, paper-hangers, Franklin associ- 
ation. 

Third — cigarmakers, coopers, gas and steam-fitters, 
plumbers, tinsmiths. 

Fourth — masons, masons' helpers, tailors, stove- 
molders and polishers, Albany workingmen's assembly. 

227 



The following was the order : 

Marshal Thomas J. Dowling and stafif, Tenth Regi- 
ment band, with twenty-one pieces. 

Capital City assembly, No. 3,194, carpenters and 
joiners, with six hundred and eighty men under 
command of Wm. Van Amburgh. Twenty-six of the 
men are known as pioneers and wore white shirts 
and carried broadaxes. 

Roger's assembly, No. 7585, carpenters, with A. 
G. Fisher in command, and thirty-five men in line. 

Arcanum assembly, Nos. 2613 and 2739, shoe- 
makers, John Coleman in command, and one hundred 
and thirty men in line. 

Dongola assembly, No. 4725, wool and leather 
dressers, Charles Rapp in command, and eighty men 
in line. 

Iron Workers' assembly. No. 441 1, Samuel Watson 
in command, and three hundred and twenty-five men 
in line. 

Sons of Veterans drum corps of twenty men. 

Painters' assembly, with J. H. Ouigley in command, 
and two hundred and fifty men in line. 

Franklin association, with F. J. Bahrend in com- 
mand, and five hundred men in line. 

A float manned by M. L. Ryder. 

Liberty band of eighteen pieces. 

Cigarmakers' union, with M. Stern in command, 
and four hundred and fifty men in line. 

Enterprise assembly. No. 5017, gas and steamfitters, 
with John T. Donovan in command, and thirty-six 
men in line. 



228 



Plumbers' union, with R. M. Stafford in command, 
and seventy men in line. 

Tin Plate assembly No. 4875, with sixty men in line. 

Drum corps with seven men. 

Bricklayers, Masons and Plasterers' assembly, No. 
6, with John H. Buchanan in command, and three 
hundred and twenty men in line. 

Masons' Laborers' union, with J. La Prez in com- 
mand, and one hundred and two men in line, 

Beaverwyck assembly. No. 3859, tailors, with M. 
J. McManus in command, and one hundred and fifty 
men in line. 

Drum corps with five men. 

Stove Mounters and Pattern Workers' assembly. 
No, 6129, in command of George Degnan, with two 
hundred men in line. 

Stove Pohshers, in command of Conrad Ewald, 
with sixty men in line. 

Albany Workingmen's assembly, with G. W. Per- 
kins in command, and forty men in line. 



The Second Division. 



ENTERPRISING MERCHANTS SHOW THEIR TASTE AT 
DECORATION. 
The second division under the command of Mar- 
shall Balch and Adjutant Judson and their aids, C. F, 
Van Benthuysen and C, M. Van Heusen, formed on 
South Broadway, right resting on State street. The 
Travelers' Protective association had the right of line 
and the men of the grip appeared in regulation travel- 
ing costume. They were upwards of one hundred 

229 



strong and made a fine appearance. Following them 
came a large trunk carried by four colored porters. 
The trunk was labeled with this legend: " Der 
Drummer am der most innocent man in der world." 
Then there was a wagon tastily decorated, on the side 
of which was a scene representing a traveling agent 
just arriving in town, and behind was the query : " Is 
the Buyer In." 

One of the quaintest conceits in this division was 
contributed by Joseph Fearey & Son, the well-known 
shoe manufacturers. It was an illustration of the 
old woman known so well from nursery rhymes, " who 
lived in a shoe ; she had so many children she did 
not know what to do," On a large float was the 
shoe, spacious enough for a good sized family. There 
was the old woman, while around her, perched in 
every crevice in the dilapidated piece of footwear 
were urchins, fully a score in all, and ranging in size 
from a well-grown boy to those hardly more than 
babies. It was an excellent idea, well carried out in 
the float. It attracted general notice and favorable 
comment all along the line. 

Next came Stephens & Sons large fruit delivery 
truck, drawn by a pair of fine horses. The truck was 
handsomely decorated. Tracy & Wilson followed 
with a large float, illustrating the business of the 
Capital City mills. The wagon was profusely orna- 
mented, and had above it a handsome canopy. On 
the float were large boxes of coff'ee and other 
groceries. Hart & Young turned out their delivery 
wagons prettily decorated. A fine, large wagon of 
hay, straw, oats and feed illustrated the business of 
S. Vroman. 

230 



David S. Brown & Co., of New York, manufac- 
turers of satin gloss soap, had a very large and costly 
covered wagon that was a perfect gem. During the 
procession samples of the soap were thrown among 
the crowd and eagerly grabbed by the hoodlums, 
who, as a member of the Bi-centennial committee 
suggested, certainly needed a little soaping. 

The Electric Carpet Cleaning company had in 
line their delivery wagons filled with carpets. 

While the line was forming on South Broadway, 
the great Indian of J. W. Stevens & Co., the tobacco- 
nist, which had been placed in front of the second 
story with a large American flag in the background, 
attracted general attention. 

The business of C. Kirchner, wood yard, was 
represented by delivery wagons trimmed with trees 
to show the source whence he derived his supply of 
wood. A very pretty float was the verdict over the 
display made by J. Blocksidge, decorator and house 
painter. The wagon was canopied and covered on 
all sides with canvass, on which pretty signs were 
painted and on the sides were the British coat-of-arms 
and the American shield. 

Jacobs & Proctor's Shetland ponies came next and 
caught the eyes of the little ones. Saul, the clothier, 
next came with a fine covered wagon. The Albany 
pickle works had a very tasty wagon with bright painted 
kegs. The next float illustrated how a blind man can 
make brooms. It represented Sol Pohly, the blind 
broom manufacturer who was a graduate of the New 
York State Institute for the Blind at Batavia. On the 
float was a quantity of broom corn and broom ma- 



231 



chines. During the parade Sol operated a machine 
and completed part of the process of manufacture. 
Cleveland's Superior Baking Powder company had five 
wagons in line. Two were sampling wagons and three 
delivery wagons. One of the latter was very tasty, a 
large platform being piled up with the baking powder 
boxes in pyramid shape. Eugene Duncan called the 
attention of the people to his laundry business by his 
two fine delivery wagons. Lansing Brothers showed 
samples of crockery tastily arranged. Next came 
John Judge, the grocer, with wagons full of wares. 
Stephen H. Parsons, coffee and spices, had a general 
delivery wagon and a truck in line, both handsomely 
ornamented. 

Heidrick Brothers, builders, showed a covered 
wagon in which were plans of buildings erected by 
them and also samples of building material. Charles 
Prince, confectioner, turned out his delivery wagon 
in holiday attire, and following it came Mueller & 
Peters, cloth spongers and refurnishers, with their 
wagon covered with evergreen. 

The Union Clothing company's float attracted 
great attention. It was a large boxed wagon, entirely 
enclosed and trimmed in red, white and blue. The 
driver was intended to stand for Uncle Sam, while on 
top of the float were ancient pieces of ammunition 
and four soldiers in the uniform of Continental 
gunners. 

Then came William Orr, fruit and fish ; E. N. 
Gardiner, oysters; C. Buenan, baker; Wm. G. Ebel, 
baker and confectioner, and National yeast. 

A very handsome float represented Washington in 



232 



an attitude of addressing an audience, while his hand 
rested on an open document. 

Walter McEwan, coffees and spices, had his delivery 
wagon handsomely decorated with bunting. A large 
representation of a clock with the dial painted on 
either side was to represent O. H. Fasoldt, and was 
a very creditable exhibit. Gloeckner's cemetery 
nursery had a wagon filled with cut and potted 
flowers and plants. A beautiful cross and an anchor 
were especially noticeable. Helmes Brothers furni- 
ture, contributed a float containing a beautiful cherry 
bed room set and a delivery wagon. Killip's laundry 
had two delivery wagons in line. L. Menand & Sons, 
florists, had two wagons filled with splendid specimens 
of their skill. P. J. Patterson, confectioner, had two 
delivery wagons. Three large floats were from the 
furniture establishment of Nelson Lyon and contained 
some splendid pieces. Clarke the baker had in line 
his two new bread wagons. 

These firms were represented in the second half of 
the second division : 

J. Blocksidge, paint shop; Julius Saul, Albany's 
leading clothier ; Albany pickle works ; Soil Pohly, 
the blind broom-maker ; Cleveland baking powder, 
three delivery and two sample wagons ; Albany box 
factory, E. N. Gardner, oysters ; W. G. Ebel, baker ; 
Clarke's Newport bread ; Gloeckner, cemetery florist ; 
P. J. Patterson, confectionery ; L. Menands & Son, 
florist ; Killip's laundry, two wagons ; Helmes Bro- 
thers and Nelson Lyon, furniture ; Walter McEwen's 
National mills, spices; S. H. Parsons, coffee and 
spices. 



233 



The Third Division. 



The third division of the trades' day parade was 
perhaps as interesting a one as any in line. The 
Twenty-first Regiment band, of Poughkeepsie, headed 
this division. The staff was composed of the follow- 
ing men : Colonel Alex. Strain, marshal commanding 
and aids, Jesse White Sprong, Charles H. Maginis, 
M. S. Simmons, E. Y. Lansing, John H. Armstrong, 
J. Loughran, D. Huyser, Charles H. Clark, Francis 
Boom, John Wolfe, Julius Fish, A. Schilling, Isaac M. 
Strasser, Sherman Reynolds, George H. Mackey, P. 
J. O'Connor, James Judge, Jesse A. White, Jeremiah 
Kieley, George Boucher, Charles L. Weaver, William 
Spellman. 

The first American locomotive, with the builder and 
first engineer, Horatio Allen, headed the stringof floats. 
It was a perfect representation of the first locomotive 
ever run in America, constructed in the Delaware and 
Hudson railroad shops from a deguerrotype in pos- 
session of Mr. Horace G. Young. The " Stourbridge 
Lion" made her first trip, August 8, 1829. The 
model consists of a tank at the rear of the tender, on 
top of the box, from which the water is carried to the 
heater by copper pipe ; a boiler nearly like those 
now in use ; driving wheels three feet in diameter, 
with felloes and spokes of ash and an iron tire shrunk 
in ; two driving rods on each side ; a walking beam 
and a smokestack similar to those now used. Four 
horses, covered with blankets bearing the monogram 
of the Delaware and Hudson company, drew this float. 

The stoves were then fully represented as follows : 
Rathbone, Sard & Co., four floats, all showing various 

234 



makes of the famous Acorn stoves and ranges ; Ran- 
som Stove Company, one float with five of their stoves 
aboard; M. Delehanty & Son, one float; J. A. & C. 
E. Baker, one float; Geo. W. Peck, one float; Philip 
O'Brien, three floats. The steam-heating industry 
was represented by one float of the J. McCormic 
Company. Quinn & Nolan, the celebrated ale 
brewers, had a very unique and appropriate float, a 
large truck drawn by six handsome horses. In the 
fore part of the scene was a hugh cask on end. On 
top of this stood Uncle Sam, with a foaming beer mug 
in his hand. Reclining on a grassy bank was Bacchus, 
the god of wine, surrendering to the goddess of 
liberty, or to ale, and old Erin was also represented 
by her goddess. 

THE WONDERFUL BEVERWYCK FLOAT. 

A most magnificent spectacle in itself was the floats 
of the famous Beverwyck Brewing company, and 
they attracted wonder and admiration from open- 
mouthed spectators all along the line. 

The exhibit consisted of an original conceit from 
designs by Walter Dickson and executed by Mr. De 
Leon. It was a representation of the surrender of 
Bacchus, god of wine, to Beverwyck beer. Bac- 
chus reclined on a mound representing a vineyard, 
and on either side of him were two Bacchantes, and 
two satyrs. In front of Bacchus was a large cask of 
lager set in rocks, and from it towered a flag-staff" fly- 
ing the national color. Upon the cask and beside the 
flag stood Uncle Sam and the Goddess of Liberty. 
This was drawn by six horses, led by grooms uni- 

235 



formed in white trousers, blue shirt and white straw 
hats. The border of the float contained a representa- 
tion of casks, with ends protruding from clusters of 
hop vines, on which were the various brands of ale 
made. This was painted by Walter Ormsbee, artist of 
New York. 



EARLY BREWING DEPICTED. 

The splendors of the floats of the Beverwyck 
Brewing company caused cries of wonder from the 
assembled multitudes as they rolled along. Six 
horses, each attended by a man dressed to represent 
a brewer's apprentice, pulled the first float, which 
represented the first settlement of this place in 1614. 
On the sides were legends : " 1 614, Beverwyck, 1614." 
On the float was a wood scene, with a tent toward the 
rear. In this sat a red chieftain, and outside on the 
rocks were three braves and one squaw. Four Hol- 
landers stood to one side. Traffic in pelts was 
carried on, the Hollanders giving gin in return. The 
second wagon was drawn by four horses, each 
groomed by a journeyman brewer, and conveyed an 
idea of the little Holland brewery which stood on the 
site of the federal building in 1686. The primitive 
brewery was in active operation. A fire beneath a 
glistening copper kettle caused steam to arise, and 
was attended by the brewer and his assistant, who 
occasionally stirred the liquid. Two Knickerbockers 
and two Hollander officers of Fort Orange were 
seated about an old Dutch table on ancient chairs 
drinking. 

236 



GAMBRINUS IN STATE. 
The third float was a glittering affair, and styled 
the gala wagon. It was drawn by four fine horses 
attended as the preceding ones. Upon a huge cask 
eight feet in diameter sat Gambrinus (John Schadt) 
on his throne, with a gilded goblet a foot high and 
eight inches in diameter in his hand. From this he 
quaffed the amber beverage. His throne was reached 
by stairs with gilded balusters, and over his head was 
a canopy composed of hop vines. He was surrounded 
by two knights in armor, two cavaliers and two pages 
at his feet. In front of the huge cask was a faucet 
of ancient pattern and a lager beer garden occupied 
by the officials of the Beverwyck company, includ- 
ing Michael Schrodt, general manager; August 
Kampfer, secretary; James Kiernan, bookkeeper; 
Michael Beck, head brewer ; Antonia Muist, his assist- 
ant, and John Maxwell, of Rondout, general agent. 
These dignitaries sat about a table served by a waiter 
with the sparkling beverage from the mammoth cask 
— in fact they were partaking of their own goods. 

OTHER SPLENDID FLOATS. 
Coleman Bros, had seven trucks in line, all loaded 
with full-size ale casks ; Granger & Story also had 
three trucks similarly loaded, in line ; P. K. Dederick 
& Co. represented the farm implement industry, with 
floats and hay press ; they also had a mounted port- 
able steam engine in the great parade. The Wheeler 
& Melick company had a large assortment of harvest- 
ing tools, a hay press and thresher representing them. 
William Risedorph & Co. and William Miller & Co. 

237 



were also represented. The furniture manufacturers 
were represented by the B. W. Wooster Furniture 
company in a fine representation of an old Dutch 
household interior. Around the old fire place were 
seen the old tables, highly carved, old chairs, settees, 
etc. Nelson Lyon and Wooster both had representa- 
tions of workshops. John Davis represented on his 
float the interior of a planing mill in a very complete 
manner. The La Rose Manufacturing company 
showed in the van ornaments, a French flat. W. H. 
Scriven, the builder, represented a frame building 
half completed. The marble men came out well. 
George H. Curreen, of Greenbush, showed two large 
granite blocks protruding from the native quarry soil ; 
the second float showed the granite and marble 
highly polished. James Gazeley, a truck drawn by 
six horses, finely mated, with an obelisk lying on one 
side on it. William Manson also showed the working 
of granite and marble. The Williams & Manogue 
Co., of Troy, showed their art of slating roofs in a 
fine exhibit. Julius Fish & Brother, cigar manufac- 
turers, had aboard a complete cigar factory. The 
raw leaves were taken, stripped, rolled, made and 
packed on the float, and the cigars thrown into the 
crowd. Shields & Son had in line one sales wagon 
and one truck with the raw stock on it. Dearstyne had 
in line one sales wagon. Clinton Ten Eyck represented 
the soap industry. Keeler, the popular bill poster, 
had a handsomely decorated wagon in line. The 
hardware trade brought Maurice E. Viele with a large 
and handsome float into the procession. The Gal- 
vanized Iron company had also a handsome float. 



238 



The Albany file and saw works paraded a moving 
show case of their saws. Marshall & Wendell, C. E. 
Wendell & Co., Boardman & Gray, and J. H. Thomas 
represented pianos and organs. The two latter firms 
had musicians playing as they paraded through the 
streets. The Domestic & White Sewing Machine 
companies had sales wagons in the parade. Tread- 
well & Co., the fur dealers, had an immense float in 
the long cavalcade, on which they showed their wares 
to fine advantage. Bates & Johnson had in the line 
a sample of their goods, steam heating and ventilating. 

Fourth Division. 



THOSE WHO BUILD AND FURNISH OUR HOMES. 

In charge of Assistant Marshal Morton H. Havens, 
with Antoine La Rose as adjutant and the following 
assistant marshals : Barrington Lodge, jr., J. Hackett, 
Lawrence Prince, Horace Westcott, Herman Russ, 
jr., J. E. Janes, J. V. O. Keenholtz, Samuel Lape, 
William Collins, R. D. Brittain, George E. Latham. 
This division was a large and pleasing one in its 
efifect in the parade. The Master Builders' exchange, 
comprising twenty-five carriages, each one of which 
contained four members of that organization, led this 
division. In the first carriage was its officers : Her- 
man H. Russ, president; Henry W. Young, vice- 
president; A. F, La Rose, treasurer, and L. J. Prince, 
secretary. Next in the line was the Albany Carriage 
and Harness company with a string of wagons drawn 
by handsome black horses. A harness rack was 
mounted on an express wagon, to which were hitched 



239 



four styles of double-seated carriages and four single- 
seated carriages. Jonas Keenholts came next with 
five carriages, first a double-seated carriage, followed 
by a gorgously tented truck, then the Boss Road 
machine made at Fort Wayne, and the worst kicker 
in the procession, a Thomas hay tedder, which went 
through the streets in full motion. 

A cutter and carriage were mounted on a platform 
by Shaw & Barnett. The American Express com- 
pany next attracted attention. Six beautiful horses 
drew their giant delivery wagon, loaded with money 
bags and money chests strongly bound with iron, 
representing their money transfer department. A 
four-horse team and two other wagons loaded with 
freight boxes, made a good showing. 

The National Express, not to be outdone by its 
powerful competitor, followed with an eight-horse 
team of grays, hauling one of their strongest delivery 
wagons, containing a single trunk of small dimen- 
sions, but which was conspicuously displayed, and 
over it the inscription: "A trunk of valuables be- 
tween New York and Montreal, 1841 to 1850, used 
by E. H. Virgil, originator of the National Express." 
Another wagon bore a heavy load of freight in boxes 
addressed for shipment, one to be sent to the Ro\'al 
Insurance company, Liverpool, another to C. W. 
Fisher, San Jose, California. 

Next in the line was the display of the Milburn 
Wagon company, one float showing two large pict- 
ures of their mammoth carriage works at Toledo, O., 
another showing the wagons they made for the 
Adams Express company. Then came the coal dealers 

240 



headed by F. N. Sill with a four-horse team hauling Le- 
high lump coal. Rock & Casey drove a six-horse team 
with coal in bags, followed by C. M. Stuart with an old- 
fashioned coal dump ; Wm. McEwen, Coonley & Wald- 
ron, John G. Burch, Blackburn & Jones, Judge & Son, 
Eldridge & Hyatt, John Neil, Jr., T. M. Hackett & 
Co., Heffernan & Cullen, P. Heller, Jr., E. W. 
Howell, Quay & White and C. Smith added to the 
procession. Gibbons & Burhans with a four-horse 
team drawing grate coal covered with a well ex- 
ecuted canopy, and E. Ewing with a novel and strik- 
ing display of a coal covered house built to show the 
oldest house in Albany, with miniature inhabitants 
gracing its windows and doorway, and a well cus- 
tomed driver in Uncle Sam attire. J. R. Nangle 
informed visitors that coal was first used in Albany 
in 1825. 

The tea merchants were well represented. Four 
delivery wagons were in line by the Union Pacific 
Tea company, on one of which a well made up 
Chinaman attracted attention. The National Tea 
company and the Great Atlantic and Pacific com- 
pany made an equally good showing. 

Then came the butchers. Hammond & Co. dis- 
played a huge beef, weighing 1,017 pounds, dressed 
in Hammond, Ind., and shipped to Albany in a 
refrigerator car, on one wagon, while another had a 
man stuffed with pillows to an enormous size, who 
was pictured as one who " eats Hammond's beef." 
Holland Brothers followed with a cage containing a 
litter of nine Duroc pigs, and another wagon was 
loaded with pork and sugar-cured hams. Johnston 

241 



& Company had two wagons in the Hne, and R. Gutt- 
man & Brothers, two, one of which represented a car 
of Swift's New England meat express. 

The Vienna Pressed Yeast company had four 
wagons in the parade. J. Kreisher, the confectioner, 
gave a street candy making exhibition on his wagon. 
A candy revolving copper kettle was kept in motion. 
One of the finest displays in the parade was the 
wagon of McFarlane, the pop-corn dealer. The 
sides of the wagon were constructed of pop-corn 
layers and in it were seated two little girls in patriotic 
costume, accompanied by a youthful clown of irre- 
sistible grimace. Patterson, the gas-fitter, contributed 
a steam-fitting apparatus ; J. R. Purdy & Company, 
spring beds ; M. McDonough, liquor dealer, and 
C. H. Burton with a large vinegar barrel; N. Bruck, 
A. B. Hecker and J. W. Reed & Company with kind- 
hng wood display ; P. Shaver, with five ice wagons ; 
the Capital City News company ; James A, Shattuck, 
mason builder, and J. S. Haswell with a carriage i8o 
years old, made up the last part of the division in 
good style. Other participants were : The Albany 
Carriage and Harness company. Standard Wagon 
company, J. Hume, Jonas Keenholts, the Milburn 
Wagon company, F. N. Sill, C. M. Stuart, Coonley 
& Waldron, John G. Burch, Gibbons & Burhans, 
Blackburn & Jones, James Judge's Sons, Eldridge & 
Hyatt, T. M. Hackett, P. Heller, E. Ewing, Heffer- 
man & CuUen, J. R. Nangle, Neil & Walter, Quay & 
White, Hammond & Company, the Vienna Pressed 
Yeast company, the Union Pacific Tea company, 
the National Tea company, A. McFarlane, the Great 



242 



Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, Jacob Kreischer, 
confectioner, James Farrell, teamster, J. R. Purdy, 
M. McDonald, James Hassell, carriage and wagon- 
maker, Johnston & Company, pork dealers, R. Guth- 
mann & Brother, dressed beef dealers, John Wans- 
boro, liquor dealer, A. B. Hecker, kindling wood 
dealer, the Capital City News Company, H. Patterson, 
gas and steam fitter, James A. Shattuck, builder, 
N. Brock, Henry Leckel and J. W. Reid & Company, 
dealers in kindling wood, Charles H. Burton, vinegar 
dealer, Holland Brothers, pork and lard dealers, 
George Peters, dealers in flour and feed, Rock & 
Casey and E. W. Howell, coal dealers, P. Shaffer, 
ice dealer, Thos. Myers, roofer, and Samuel Stevens, 
fruiterer. 

Fifth Division. 



DEVOTED PRINCIPALLY TO A DISPLAY OF FOOD 

SUPPLIES. 
The fifth division was under the charge of Assistant 
Marshal F. VV. Sarauw, whose mounted staff were 
dressed in black clothes, soft felt hats, red sashes and 
white gloves. The division formed on State street, 
continuing down Eagle street, right resting on Pearl 
street. Following the staff was a large number of 
mounted butchers and grocers, and carriages bearing 
the presidents and delegates of the Central New York 
Mercantile society. The division was admirably 
handled, and attracted no little attention, although 
there were no gorgeous floats or ostentatious display. 
The division was mainly devoted to the food suppliers 



243 



— the butcher, the grocer and the gardener. The 
vehicles represented were as follows : 

Larrabee & Company, bakers, fifteen large wagons 
beautifully decorated with wares tastefully arranged. 

Van Dervier & Holmes, through C. S. Scharne- 
man, Jr., Albany agent, vehicle handsomely fitted up 
and decorated with flags and bunting. 

Fleischman & Company, manufacturers of com- 
pressed yeast, five decorated wagons. 

Mrs. M. Crummy, baker, two wagons decorated 
with shields and flags. 

Frederick Carr, of Greenbush, had four wagons 
decorated with flags. One of the vehicles was the 
finest ever used to peddle crackers with in this city 
— 1824. It has been stowed away for years, but was 
recently taken out and repaired. 

The Star bakery, wagon decorated with flags and 
bunting. 

The Master Bakers' Protective Association, Charles 
H. Blackwood, President, a float bearing a represen- 
tation of an immense brick oven. Decorated with 
the flags of all nations. Cakes were distributed along 
the route of march. 

Earing Brothers, bakers, one handsome decorated 
float bearing a dough trough and several bakers ; also 
four wagons decorated with flags, bunting, etc. 

M. J. Iliohan, baker, two wagons decorated with 
flags and evergreens. 

E. G. Nagengast, gardener, wagon decorated with 
squash vines, corn stalks, etc. 

Capital City Pickling Company. Two little girls 
located on a raised seat representing miniature 



244 



Godesses of Liberty. Decorated with flags and 
bunting. 

George W. Raynsford, grocer, two wagons deco- 
rated with shields and flags. 

Waterman & Meigs, grocers, one wagon bearing a 
load of tastefully arranged canned goods surmounted 
by a monster coffee pot. 

A. S. Miller, grocer, two wagons decorated with 
pampa grass and evergreens. 

P. D. Platz, butcher, finely decorated carriages, 
with two monster steer horns in front. 

I. Wiley, butcher, two vehicles, one containing the 
head of an immense steer, decorated with smilax and 
cut flowers. 

Lewis Newhofif, home pressed meat, wagon de- 
corated with bunting and evergreens. A slatted box 
with a centre floor contained four lambs in the upper 
tier and three calves below. 

W. H. Lutz, butcher, two wagons, one containing 
three calves, and the other two lambs and a kid. 

E. J. Lord, grocer, finely decorated wagon with 
two little girls representing the Goddess of Liberty. 

Rider & Rockefeller, grocers, Lexington avenue, 
small flags. 

E. Palmer, grocer, wagon loaded with flour barrels, 
decorated with bunting, flags and rosettes. 

P. Hagerty, grocer, flags and bunting. 

S. H. Smith, grocer, paper bunting, flags, etc. 

J. H. Sutlifif, grocer, shields and bunting. 

Stevenson, the grocer, five wagons decorated. 

French Tea company, vehicle decorated with flags. 

Russell & Borthwick, grocers, two carts decorated. 



245 



W. H. Falke, flour, grain and feed, decorated. 

Bennett & Brothers, hog butchers, West Albany, 
five tastefully decorated wagons. One bore the sign 
of a monster swine, one a crib filled with live hogs, 
two others dressed pork and uniformed butchers, 
while the fifth contained fifteen little children belong- 
ing to the family of Bennetts. 

A. Wagner, manufacturer of bologna sausage, two 
wagons, one bearing samples of goods and the other 
the employes. The vehicles were trimmed with bunt- 
ing and evergreens. 

Samuel Stevenson, wholesale dealer in bananas. 

M. Mausert & Son, grocers, decorated cart. 

J. & W. Blackburn, grocers, wagons decorated with 
gauze, flags, etc. 

C. W. Burton, wagon bearing pyram'd of jugs 
stamped Burton's Vinegar, and decoraced with flags. 

Clark & W^oodin, grocers, decorated wagon, bearing 
coffee machines. 

Coughtry & Eldridge, grocers, wagon covered with 
bunting in old style of a hen coop. 

W. J. Fearly, grocer, decorated cart. 

George S. Rivenburgh, wagon decorated with 
looped bunting. 

Displays also by E. Palmer, J. & W, Blackburn, 
Charles Miller, Jr., Waterman & Meigs, F. G. Bradley, 
Clark & Wooding, G. S. Rivenburgh, Geo. W. Rayns- 
ford, Wm. F. Kearney,?. Hagerty, A. E. Clow, Righter 
& Rockefeller, J. H. Smith, E. J. Lord, Samuel Stev- 
ens, Fleischman & Company, W. H. Falke, Banfill & 
Amsdell, Stephenson's, Coughtry & Eldridge, Russell 
& Borthwick, John B. Carriere, J. H. Sutlift', Fred. 



246 



Carr, Star Bakery, Van Derveer & Holmes, C. 
Schornemir, Jr., M. Crummey, M. Iliohan, H. C. 
Weyman, Earing Brothers, E. J. Larrabee & Com- 
pany, Capital City Pickling Company, W. H. Lutz, 
Lewis Newhof, A. Wagner, P. D. Platz, M. Mausert, 
Ignatus Wiley, George Wiley, Bennett Brothers. 

THE MAGNIFICIENT PARADE REVIEWED BY GOVER- 
NOR DAVID B. HILL FROM THE CAPITOL. 
Governor Hill, with a few friends, reviewed the pro- 
cession from the windows of the executive chamber, 
and was highly pleased at the strength and varied 
attractions that were presented in the line. Occa- 
sionally he was recognized by the processionists and 
saluted as the men marched past his window. King 
Gambrinus, on the Beverwyck float, drank the 
Governor's health, as did also the gentlemen whom 
he had for companions on the float. The windows 
of the office of the Secretary of State, State 
library on Washington avenue, and the windows 
of the Adjutant-General's office, the Board of 
Health, Regents, Attorney-General's, executive cham- 
ber, insurance and public instruction departments on 
State street were crowded with State officials, accom- 
panied by their families and friends, and the criticism 
of all was of one accord — that the trades' demonstra- 
tion was an imposing affair, and reflected great credit 
upon its managers and those who participated in it. 
Fully 15,000 people visited the capitol yesterday, 
and streams of people were continually passing 
through the corridors. In order that the subordi- 
nates might witness the day's events, business in all 

247 



the departments was generally suspended at noon, 
and these hours were carried out during the balance 
of the week. 

UNVEILING OF THE TABLETS BY HIGH SCHOOL 
STUDENTS. 

In charge of Professor William D. Goeway, of the 
High School, at three P. M., a delegation of the High 
School students unveiled the tablets that were put 
up in various parts of the city, locating prominent 
buildings of the olden time. The list is to be found 
at page 47. 

RACING IN CANOES. 
As early as ten o'clock in the morning, the lower 
bridges and the docks and steamboats were well filled 
with an expectant crowd waiting for the start of the 
canoe regatta which was announced for that hour. 
The club house presented an animated appearance 
as the dainty craft were prepared for the con- 
test. The referee's boat, a small steam launch, 
unnamed, left the club-house at 10:30 A. M., and 
after placing the buoys, the canoes were ordered in 
line at the lower end of the course, and at the blast 
of the bugle paddled in parade up the course. The 
sight was a very pretty one, the tiny crafts stretching 
in line across the stream were verily things of life 
and beauty. At another bugle signal sail was made, 
and down stream they went under full canvas to the 
starting point. The race was for all classes of canoes, 
no limits of ballast or sail. Course, from a line above 
the Greenbush bridge around a buoy near the East 
Albany bridge and back three times, distance about 

248 



three miles. The prizes were a set of silver plate and 
a silk flag. The entries were : 

Marion B., Mohican canoe club, Rob't Shaw Oliver 
Madeleine, Mohican canoe club, Walter L. Palmer 
Arne, Mohican canoe club, Harry C. Cushman 
Thetis, Mohican canoe club, P. M. Wackerhagen 
Nan, Mohican canoe club, H. D. Thomas ; Anna V., 
Mohican canoe club, E. D. Jennison ; Raquette, Mo- 
hican canoe club, M. S. Smith ; Mermaid, Mohican 
canoe club, L. J. Prince ; Fleur de Lis, Mohican 
canoe club, B. Fernow ; Annie O., Mohican canoe 
club, Fred L. Mix ; Uncas, Mohican canoe club, 
H. R. Pierson, Jr. ; Mida, Mohawk canoe club, of 
Troy, William Bennett; Dora, Mohawk canoe club, 
of Troy, George Dexter ; Pecowsic, Springfield canoe 
club, G. H. Barney ; Chingachgook, Mohican canoe 
club, W. A. Wheeler; Wraith, Brooklyn and Knick- 
erbocker canoe club, William Whitlock ; Avocette, 
Mohican canoe club, F. G. Mather ; Tigog, Mohican 
canoe club, W. G. Janes ; Oriole, Mohican canoe 
club, E. W. Masten. 

Shortly after eleven o'clock the start was effected 
with a steady north-west breeze, and the canoes got 
off well together. The first to cross the starting line 
was the Nan, at 11:7:10, the next over was the 
Marion B., at 7: 25. The Thetis was third at 7: 40, 
and the Arno, Mermaid and Chingachgook crossed 
together at 7:45. The Pecowsic, of Springfield, 
followed at 7: 54, and the Wraith, of Brooklyn, made 
the line at 8 : 10, with the Mida, Fleur de Lis and the 
balance in a bunch after. The Thetis took a lead 
soon after the start, but was closely hunted by the 

249 



Nan and Wraith in order named. The turn at the 
upper buoy was made in the same relative positions, 
and a good start was made for the journey down 
stream. The breeze freshened up a bit in excellent 
style, and a short distance from the turn the Nan 
walked to the front with the other two in close pur- 
suit. The race down was a very pretty one, the wind 
held out well and was fairly steady, and when the 
lower turn was reached the Nan went around first, 
Thetis second and the Pecowsic, which had been 
steadily creeping up to the rest, got around third, 
followed by the Wraith. By this time the rest of the 
fleet was considerably spread out over the course, 
some going up and others down, so that a record of 
their relative positions could not be made. Up again 
the leaders went at a pretty pace, and the third turn 
was made with the Thetis first. Nan second and the 
Pecowsic third. The Marion B. had been doing some 
pretty good sailing during the interim and drawing 
away from the rear came speedily up in the van, and 
the fourth turn was made first by the Thetis, with 
the Nan, Pecowsic, Marion B. and the Wraith in suc- 
cession. The Chingachgook, which had also been 
lagging, began to brace up to the work, but not soon 
enough to press the leaders at all. At the fifth turn, 
and the last one at the upper buoy, there was a brisk 
contest to see which would get around first, and for 
some time it was very uncertain, owing to flaws in 
the breeze. The Thetis caught it first, however, with 
Nan a close second, Pecowsic third and Marion B. 
fourth. Down they came again for the last time, 
sailing briskly, with just a chance for the Nan to win. 



250 



She did not, however, and the Thetis rounded the 
buoy first, Nan second, Marion B. and Pecowsic 
together, with the Wraith and Chingachgook next. 
The official time was as follows: Thetis, 37m. 20s.; 
Nan, 38m. 20s.; Pecowsic, 38m. 31s.; Marion B., 
38m. 55s.; Wraith, 43m. ; Chingachgook, 43m. 50s. 
The referees were Messrs. George P. Hilton and R. 
Wilton ; starter, R. W. Gibson ; timekeeper, George 
H. Thacher, Jr. ; judges at the buoys, Walter Fro- 
thingham, Guy Baker and Charles Winne. 

The Evening Concert. 



A SPLENDID entertainment IN THE CAPITOL PARK 
TENT. 

Fully four thousand people were in the Capitol 
park in the evening, and heard the grand literary and 
musical exercises which brought educational day to 
a close. 

Seated on the platform was the large chorus of 
school children that for some time had been under 
the careful training of Professor George Oliver- 
In front was the double orchestra from the Tenth 
Regiment and Albany City band. All were under 
Professor Oliver, who wielded the baton. The exer- 
cises themselves were all that could be desired. The 
singing of the children was excellent, and showed 
the hard labor that had been spent in their training. 
The choruses were very strong, and alone of all the 
exercises could be heard throughout the tent. 

The programme opened shortly before eight o'clock 
by Von Suppe's overture, Franz Schubert, by the 



251 



orchestra. Then the grand national hymn "America " 
was rendered by the chorus accompanied by the 
orchestra. It was loudly applauded. 

The rest of the programme was then rendered, as 
follows : 

Chorus — " Sailor's Song" Oliver. 

Reading — " Fort Orange, 1660 " Wide Awake. 

Miss Theresa F. Smith, public school No. 9. 
Solo and chorus (from unfinished opera of " Loreley") — "Ave 

Marie " Mendelssohn, 

Bi-Centennial Hymn, 

Written and composed for this occasion. Words by Mr. Howard N. 
Fuller. Music by Mr. George Edgar Oliver. 

PART n. 

Metropolitan March Bial. 

Orchestra. 

Chorus — " Grammar School March " Veazie. 

Chorus — " Barcarolle " Oliver. 

" The Rising in '76" Thomas Buchanan Read. 

Mr. Eugene Brumaghim. 

Chorus — " See the Conquering Hero Comes " Handel. 

(From the Oratorio of Judas Maccabeus. ) 
Chorus — "American Hymn " Keller. 

The exercises lasted until half-past nine, when the 
vast crowds gradually dwindled away. State street 
for half an hour afterwards was filled with a closely 
packed throng on their way from the park. 



TUESDAY, JULY 20TH. 

Day of All Nations. 

Morning. — Parade of German, Irish, Scotch, Hol- 
land, French, Italian, English and other National 
Societies, to be followed by separate exercises. 

252 



Afternoon. — First Races of the Annual Regatta 
of the National Association of Amateur Oarsmen of 
America over the Pleasure Island course. Exercises 
under the auspices of the Irish Societies. Planting 
of a Memorial Oak by German citizens, with appro- 
priate exercises, in Washington Park. Scottish and 
other games. 

Evening. — Parade of Secret Societies. 

ALL nation's day PARADE. 

Headquarters of All Nation's Day, ) 
Albany, July 15, 1886. 5 
General Orders No. 2 : 

I. I hereby announce the following as my staff, 
and they will be obeyed accordingly : 

Chief of staff. Major James J. Pender; assistant 
marshals, Col. H. A. Freudenthal, Majors John 
Brannigan, Daniel J. O'Brien, George W. Dorn, Capts. 
M. J. Slattery, Andrew Donner, George Welfings, M. 
F. McGowan, Albert Albers, J. D. Burger, F. W. 
Sarauw, John J. Creagen, Lieuts. J. E. Gallup, 
William Boehm, M. Murphy, Theodore Papen, August 
Rodie, George Guardiner, William J. Dalton, Thomas 
H. Greer, Peter A. Crounse, Henry Kleinhans, Dr. F. 
Ouimet, J. J. Obey, M. Lepp, Peter D. Platz, S. H. 
Mando, S. J. Morton, Robert G. Scherer, Robert F. 
McFarlane, C. C. Mackey, Joseph Wesley, Atillio 
Pasquini, M. J. Howard, Thomas McEvoy, John 
Eagan, John Mulderry, B. J. E. Mullen, J. H. Reilly, 
Gilbert T. Sutton, James W. Muir, Casper Muehleck, 
Jacob Morgan, H. C. G. Blester, F. A. Gremmier, 
Charles W. Miller. 



253 



II. I hereby assign the following as division 
commanders : 

First division, Captain Andrew Donner; second 
division, Dr. F. Ouimet ; third division, Major M. J. 
Slattery ; fourth division, James VV. Bently ; fifth 
division, Captain George W. Dorn. 

III. The Hne will be formed as follows: 

FIRST DIVISION. 

First division on Pearl street, right resting on Third 
avenue. Marshal and staff. Twentieth Regiment 
band. M. J. Severence Cadets, under command of 
Capt. Wm. Addington, as escort. Hollanders with 
floats, representing the provinces of Holland. Float 
representing windmill, old carriage, cart with figures 
representing two orphans, and carriages. Uniformed 
Scots, with pipers, St. Andrews and Caledonian 
societies, visiting Scotchmen. 

SECOND DIVISION. 

Second division will form on Third avenue, right rest- 
ing on Pearl street. Marshal and staff. Plattsburg band. 
French Societies. St. Jean Baptiste Society. F'rench 
Canadians of Albany. St. Jean Baptiste Society of 
Troy. Napoleon Snow Shoe Club of Green Island. Na- 
poleon Club of Green Island. Float La Petite St. Jean 
Baptiste, patron of Canada. Float Jacques Cartier, 
discoverer of Canada, with his ship. Iroquois Snow 
Shoe Club of Troy, in carriages. Children in 
carryall. John T. Carrier, French tea store, with 
chariot. Italian Society, in carriages. Float repre- 
senting the first land discovered by Columbus. 



254 



Float representing ship of Columbus, Santa Marie. 
Colored societies, carriages and float. 

THIRD DIVISION. 
Third division will form on Fourth avenue, 
below Pearl street, right resting on Pearl street. 
Marshal and Staff. Tenth Regiment band. Hiber- 
nian Rifle Corps, escort to Irish division. St. Joseph's 
Young Men's Sodality. St. John's Young Men's 
Sodality. St. Mary's Young Men's Sodality. Robert 
Emmet Association. Float representing thirty-two 
counties of Ireland and the maid of Erin. St. 
Joseph's Cadets. Visiting Division of Ancient Order 
of Hibernians. Division Nos. 4, 6 and 7, Ancient 
Order of Hibernians. Float containing representa- 
tion of Emmet, Parnell, Gladstone and Davitt. The 
United Irishmen of America. Albany Council, No. 
38, C. B. L. Cor Jesu Council, No. 84, C. B. L. 
Irish Jaunting Car, containing four persons in costume. 
Davitt Branch Irish National League. Parnell Branch 
Irish National League. 

FOURTH DIVISION. 
Fourth division will form on Bassett street, right 
resting on Pearl street. Marshall and Staff. Ger- 
mania band, of Pittsfield. Grant Club, with fifty 
mounted men in red uniforms, one hundred men in 
white uniforms, one hundred men in blue uniforms, 
drawing cannon, forming colors of red, white and blue. 
Float, Joseph Fearey & Sons. Barouche, Mr. Dar- 
mette, of Binghamton, N. Y., representing Earl of 
Leicester, Prince of Orange, Emperor William, King 
Leopold. 



255 



FIFTH DIVISION. 

Fifth division will form on Schuyler street, below 
Pearl, right resting on Pearl, as follows : Mashal and 
Staff. Albany City band. Washington Rifles, Col. 
Geo. Krank commanding, as escort. Apollo Singing 
Club. Float representing Apollo, and Caecelia Singing 
Clubs, with float representing Caecelia. Eintracht, 
with float. Mozart, with float. Leiderkranz, with 
float. Harmonia. Canstatter Volksfest Verein. 
Float representing Germania. Float, Columbia, God- 
dess of Liberty. Float, All Nations. Unterderfur- 
muetze. Two floats, Hinckel's Brewing Company. 
Float, Kirchner's Brewing Company. Float, Fred 
Dobler, Brewer. Float, Heidrick Brothers, Brewers. 
Float, George Webber, Brewer. Float, Cook & 
Meutsch, Brewers. Excelsior band. Leiderkranz 
Singing society. O. S. D. F. Barbarossa lodge, K. 
of P. Other societies. Jacob Kreischer, one float 
and three wagons. Henry Menges, with float repre- 
senting building a house. Bayrische Volksfest 
Verein float. Heidrick Bros., builders, with float. 
Geo. Wiley & Bro., with float. Albany Maenner 
quartette. School children in wagons. Holy Cross 
church. Lady Help of Christains. Lady of Angels. 
Also, thirty business wagons. 

IV. Line will be formed at 8 : 30 A. M., sharp, 
Tuesday, July 20, 1886. Chiefs of divisions will 
report to the chief of staff of the grand marshal at 
8 : 45 A. M., at headquarters, the assignment of their 
respective divisions. The headquarters will be on 
the northwest corner of South Pearl street and Fourth 
avenue. The assistant marshals will report at 8 A. M. 

256 



sharp, at headquarters as established, in dark clothes, 
soft felt hat, sash, white gloves, badges and riding 
whip, as ordered. 

ROUTE OF MARCH. 
South Pearl to North Pearl street, to Clinton avenue, 
Clinton avenue to Perry street. Perry street to Central 
avenue, to Washington avenue, where the parade will 
be dismissed. 
By order. 

Col. M. J. Severence, Grand Marshal. 
James J. Pender, Chief of Staff. 

The July sun shone with undiminished power all 
day, and there was a misty shimmer of heat in the 
midsummer sky, dispelled, however, on the streets of 
the Bi-centennial city by a gentle breeze that shore 
the burning rays of much of their power. It was All 
Nation's Day, and the great procession was cosmopo- 
lite in character. As the enormous mass of vehicles 
wheeled into line the air was filled with the sounds 
of many strange tongues. It was a characteristic 
assemblage, full of jolity and determined to do its 
share to the fullest extent in keeping up to the 
requisite standard of attractiveness the magnificent 
programme of the festival. There was the green 
badge of Ireland, the Hibernian rifles with their 
proud, jaunty steps, and the great float on which 
were grouped thirty-two young ladies, representing 
the counties of the Emerald Isle, with the Maid of 
Erin enthroned above them. 

There were the Hollanders with their'characteristic 
float, representing the seven united provinces, Holland, 

257 



Zealand, Utrecht, F"riesland, Groningen, Overyssal and 
Guilderland, that founded the repubHc of the United 
Netherlands and the two provinces of Zutphen and 
North Brabant, that afterwards joined the confedera- 
tion. It was a reminiscence of that terrible struggle of 
eighty years, in which, after unheard of struggles, the 
Dutch flung off the yoke of Spain forever. The 
Scotchmen made a brave appearance, and the " skirlin' 
pipes" that were heard around Fort William Henry a 
century and a half ago, when the sturdy Munro con- 
fronted the power of Montcalm, made barbaric music 
along the line of the parade. The Italians were there 
with a very clever representation of Christopher 
Columbus and his famous caravel the Santa Maria, in 
which he first crossed the trackless Atlantic. Those 
who have read the thrilling account of that ever-to-be 
remembered voyage, and have admired the constancy 
and courage of the immortal Genoese, will learn with 
regret that the good ship which bore him to the New 
World came near being wrecked by the telegraph 
wires which made sad havoc of her upper spars. 

The Germans contrived to make one of the most 
striking features of the parade. The children of 
Fatherland have a particular aptitude for parades and 
celebrations. They are especially happy in designing 
tableaux. There was the stately figure of Germania, 
represented by a charming lady, who seemed to be 
the living impersonation of " Die Wacht am Rhein." 
Around her were the chief representatives of German 
music, poetry and science. There were the fair 
Caecelia, patroness of the divine art, the Goddess of 
Liberty, with the points of the compass symbolized by 



258 



four pretty maidens, the stalwart Apollo and his lyre, 
with incense offered to him on a tripod, and the rep- 
resentatives of all races half hidden under a huge 
liberty cap. All along this division rose the sonorous 
voices of the German singers, chanting the volkslieder 
of Fatherland. 

Ere the parade of all nations reached the goal of 
its long route there was a rush to Pleasure Island to 
witness the opening of the annual regatta of the 
National Association of Amateur Oarsmen. It was 
a day such as oarsmen delight in. The water of the 
mighty stream was like glass, over which at intervals 
the playful breeze stopped and caused a faint ripple. 
The contests were worthy of the high reputation of 
this renowned organization, and the management was 
worthy of all praise. 

Besides the parade and the boat races, there were 
many other features to interest the citizens and their 
guests. A memorial oak was planted by the Germans 
in Washington park and an elm tree by the Colored 
societies. The Irish societies held very interesting 
exercises in the rink, and the Germans sang all 
night long. There was no diminution of enthusiasm, 
but, on the contrary, Albanians seemed to be inspired 
with the desire to put up the thermometer of Bi-cen- 
tennial heat a few degrees higher. 

The First Division. 



HOLLAND'S SONS. 

At the head of the first division rode four mounted 
policemen, Officers Roach, Murphy, Kirvvan and 

259 



Ford, and next to them Grand Marshal Severence 
and his aids, and the marshal of the first division, 
Captain Andrew Donner and his staff, John Wolff, 
chief, and aids: M. Iliohan, M. De Rouville, John 
Degenar and Abram De Blaey of the Hollanders, 
and Robert F. MacFarlane, C. C. MacKay and Wil- 
liam Gibson of the Scotch. The music was furnished 
by the Twenty-first Regiment band, twenty-one pieces, 
of Poughkeepsie. Behind them, marching with fine ap- 
pearance, were the M. J. Severence cadets, under com- 
mand of Captain William Addington, with thirty men 
in line, acting as escorts. Next came the Hollanders, 
and the appearance they presented was most favor- 
ably commented upon. The Hollanders turned out 
seventy-five strong, with Nelson Boyd in command. 
This nationality also had two floats. The first was 
of great beauty, being a canopied wagon decorated 
with the stars and stripes and the national colors of 
Holland. Within were eleven pretty young women, 
representing the same number of provinces of that 
country. Each one was dressed in the appropriate 
peasant's costume and carried a spear and shield 
bearing the arms of the province represented. On a 
mimic throne was represented the Goddess of Liberty. 
The young ladies taking part were : Goddess of 
Liberty, Miss Annie Klomps ; maidens, Delia De 
Rouville, Nellie Van Denburgh, Maggie De Rouville, 
Lizzie Weenint, Blanche Wolff, Julia Wolff, Minnie 
Ochtman, Jennie Van Rees, Hattie Vlasblom, Hattie 
Geurtze, and Nettie Giffler. This attracted the grea- 
est attention throughout the entire route of march 
and was greeted with frequent applause and other 



260 



marks of approval. Next came a carriage containing 
Mrs. Iliohan, Mrs. Ochtman, Mrs. Wolff and Mr. J. 
Ochtman, each clad in the costume of one hundred 
years ago. After this was a road cart containing 
representations of two orphans in appropriate cos- 
tumes, and then the second float, an old Dutch wind- 
mill, with its long arms picturesquely spread to the 
breeze. The miller was John Van Buren, and his 
assistant, John Scravin. Following this was a num- 
ber of carriages, containing Hollanders, and a wagon 
one hundred and eighty years old, with two men 
in Continental dress. One of the most pleasing fea- 
tures of the parade was the bonny Scots, in kilt and 
tartans, headed by twelve pipers droning out the 
national airs. The thistle was well represented, there 
being three hundred men in line, fifty of them 
being in kilted uniform. The Scotchmen were from 
this city, Cohoes, Green Island, Troy, New York, 
Boston and Rochester, and were under command of 
Charles Brooksby, and Peter Kinnear, president. The 
Scotch caps and waving eagle plumes of this detach- 
ment gave a very novel and attractive aspect to this 
part of the parade. 



The Second Division. 



OUR FRENCH CITIZENS. 

Considering the number of Frenchmen in this city 

their display was excellent. They had the right of the 

line of this division and were preceded by the Platts- 

burgh band. Marshal John G. Obey was in command. 

261 



First came St. Jean Baptiste Society of Albany, one 
hundred and fifty strong, under the command of Presi- 
dent Albrich Fredette. The society's elegant hand- 
work banner, and American and French flags floated 
in the breeze in front. The members of the society 
wore the emblem of Canada, the maple leaf, and a 
white badge on which was " Les Canadiens Fran^ais 
d'Albany." Then came the Willard post drum corps, 
St, Jean Baptiste Society of Troy, in charge of Francis 
Richards. They bore French and American flags. 
The Iroquois Snow Shoe Club of Troy, turned out 
in carriages about twelve strong. Each vehicle bore 
snow shoes behind the driver's seat. 

An excellent float of the French Canadians ne.xt 
appeared. It represented a full-rigged brig inscribed 
"St. Malo, 1534," on the bow. It was gotten up in 
excellent style and was a fair likeness of the ship of 
more than three centuries ago in which Capt. Jacques 
Cartier discovered Canada. On the ship were Enrich 
Fredette, as Cartier, and Masters H. Bernard. Isaac 
Milot, E. Carrow and I. Marquis, as sailors. 

Another float represented La Petite Jean Baptiste, 
and on it was a throne on which sat Charles Picard, 
in the character of the saint, holding in his hand a 
crozier, while at his feet rested a small lamb in real 
flesh. Two wagons of French school children com- 
pleted the division. 

At the conclusion of the parade, M. Henri Boland, 
an eloquent French orator, addressed the French 
societies in St. Jean Baptiste rooms in the basement 
of the French Catholic Church. He spoke particu- 
larly of the history of the French in this country and 

262 



their influence in colonizing it. Afterward refresh- 
ments were served to visiting societies. 

THE COLORED SOCIETIES. 
The colored citizens had a delegation in this divi- 
sion. They were members of the Burdette-Coutts 
Society, and rode in carriages. An elegant banner, 
presented by the ladies, was displayed. 

The Third Division. 



THE IRISH societies. 

At precisely nine o'clock, the hour appointed for 
the parade to take place, the chimes and bell of St. 
Ann's Church rang out an inspiriting welcome, which 
caused the Irish heart to dance with delight and give 
zest to the reception of this brigade on their line of 
march. Marshal Slattery commanded his division 
with the abandon of a veteran. His aides wore green 
badges and sashes, with Major M. F. McGowan as 
chief, in full uniform. The aides were : Frank J. 
Goewey, John J. Cassidy, Charles E. Hurley, Edward 
J. Flood, Timothy Mohide, P. B. Muldowney, Thos. 
J. Dolan, Harvey T. V. Harrington, James H. Dulin, 
James J. Burns, Timothy O'SuUivan, Daniel Scully, 
William J. Hill, James McGrath, Francis Sullivan, B. 
McGuire, Patrick Maher, Timothy Dineen, P. J. 
Crotty, James Cuthbert, T. J. Daly, Francis J. Bigley, 
John Cleary, Andrew Daly. 

The Tenth regiment band followed the aides lead- 
ing the Hibernian Rifles in green coats and cockades. 
They numbered thirty-six, and had eight line and staff 

263 



officers. They escorted two carriages, containing 
General Charles Tracey, chairman of the day ; the 
Rev. T. M. A. Burke, chaplain ; District Attorney 
Hugh Reilly, orator; the Hon. Thomas J. Lanahan, 
reader; M. J. Louden, poet; Judge John W. Walsh, 
Mr. David Healey, of the Irish World, and T. S. 
O'Brien. Then came St. Joseph's Sodality, two 
hundred strong, Marshal Fitzpatrick commanding, 
and St. John's Sodality, fifty-one strong. 

THE ERIN FLOAT. 
The float bearing the thirty-two young ladies, 
representing the counties of Ireland, was a magnifi- 
cent affair and the admiration of every Irish person. 
The body of the float was a representation of the Hill 
of Tara, the headquarters of the first four sovereigns 
of Ireland. About this hill the young ladies were 
seated. On the apex of the float was a large raised 
chair in which was seated the Maid of Erin, Miss Lulu 
Kelly, who rode in this exalted position in regal 
manner. The float also bore a representation of the 
Martello tower, at the base of which a wolf-dog is 
resting, and the Celtic cross. The float was drawn 
by six horses, which were led by footmen. Four 
soldiers, dressed in Irish regimentals, were guards to 
the floats and represented the four provinces of Ire- 
land. The thirty-two counties were represented by 
these young ladies : Katie Nugent, Delia Nugent, 
Katie Heffernan, Mamie Slattery, Nellie Slattery, 
Margaret Brannigan, Mary A. Murphy, Ellen Ahearn, 
Mary A. Mullen, Gussie Phillips, Kate Ward, Annie 
Tierney, Mamie Leister, Belle Mcintosh, Miss Cran- 



264 



ney, Annie Obrien, Delia Reilly, Katie Kielty, Miss 
Dolan, Johanna Nolan, Maggie M. Murphy, Miss Rice, 
Miss Sheedy, Alice Bowling, Aggie Rowe, Maude 
DuHn, Annie Finn, Maggie O'Connell, Kate Feeley, 
Mary Feeley, Annie J. Rourke, Kate Hart. They 
were attired in white with green sashes bearing the 
names of the counties printed in pale green letters. 

The St. Joseph's Cadets, Capt. B. H. McDonald, 
with twenty-five men, followed the float, escorting 
Branch No. 4 Ancient Order of Hibernians, one 
hundred strong ; Branch No. 5 Ancient Order of 
Hibernians, of Green Island ; Branch No. 6 Ancient 
Order of Hibernians, one hundred strong ; United 
Irish of America, one hundred and twenty strong; 
and Council No. 38, Catholic Benevolent League, 
seventy-five strong. 

Another float then came into view with life-size 
figures of Gladstone, in a sitting position, and Charles 
Stuart Parnell standing, and Robert Emmet, with 
hands bound. The eff"ect was striking. This float was 
drawn by four horses. 



The Fourth Division. 



THE GRANT CLUB. 

The fourth division was in command of Marshal 
Wetzel, accompanied by his staff". The Germania 
band, of Pittsfield, Mass., twenty strong, furnished 
music for this division, and acquitted itself in a most 
creditable manner. Next in order came the Grant 
Club, bearing a banner with a portrait of the soldier 

265 



hero. The club was in command of J. VV. Bentley, 
with a mounted staff of fifteen men in black cloth 
coats, white pantaloons and helmets and red sashes. 
Next came the citizens' division of the club, in com- 
mand of Michael Howard, followed by the first uni- 
formed company, attired in white uniforms and white 
helmets. The gun squad of the club came next in 
order, similarly attired in blue, drawing the mounted 
brass cannon, Thurlow Weed, and under command of 
George Addington. The entire club made a most 
creditable appearance and were warmly welcomed at 
different points of the route of march. 

The second feature of this division attracted 
general attention, and was a carriage containing four 
gorgeously costumed gentlemen dressed in represen- 
tation of the Earl of Leicester, the Prince of Orange, 
Emperor William and King Leopold, the two former 
occupying the front seat and the latter two the back 
seat of the vehicle. The following gentlemen per- 
sonated the characters in the order named above : 
Charles A. Smith, D. W. Fowler, C. H. Danielle and 
C. W. Rosekrans. 

Following the carriage came the float of Fearey & 
Sons, drawn by two horses, and containing a mam- 
moth shoe reposing on its side, with the toe to the 
front and the opening at the top of the shoe facing 
the left. At the rear of this gigantic pedal covering 
was constructed a small hut of ancient and timeworn 
appearance. In the opening at the top of the shoe 
sat the fabled old woman " who had so many children 
she didn't know what to do," and surrounding her 
and at every available place on the float was a diver- 

266 



sified collection of small boys that would doubtless 
have gladdened the heart of the original " old woman " 
had she been here to see. The body of the float was 
draped in red and flags were disposed at the top of 
the shoe and on the front of the float platform. The 
whole idea was carried out in admirable style and 
was unusually effective. 

Next in order came the float of Fish Bros., drawn 
by two horses decorated. This float illustrated the 
process of cigar making, and displayed five men at 
work shaping the aromatic weed into smoking form. 
The tables were draped with the national colors and 
the awning over the top was composed of decora- 
tions. One side of the float bore the inscription : 
" None But Union-Made Cigars Sold," and the other 
side had a representation of a tree stump with a box 
of cigars reposing on the top, in illustration of the 
'' Stump " cigars manufactured by the firm. The 
very handsomely painted wagon of David S. Brown 
& Co., of New York, manufacturers of " Satin Gloss 
Soap," came next, drawn by three superb horses with 
trappings of brown leather and gilt. Samples of the 
firm's manufacture were distributed on the line of 
march. The pony team and wagon of Jacobs & 
Proctor followed, and a wagon bearing the inscription 
of the Continental Fire Insurance Company completed 
the division. 

The Fifth Division. 



THE GERMAN ORGANIZATIONS AND SINGING 
SOCIETIES. 
At the hour appointed for the organization to 
parade hardly any men who were to take part were 

267 



to be seen about the lower part of South Pearl street. 
The entire parade of the All Nations' Day was good, 
but the fifth and last division was probably the best 
of it. In this division were all the German societies 
and many of the most unique floats. It was headed 
by Division Commander George W. Dorn and his 
assistants. The Albany city band headed the divi- 
sion. The excellence of the music given by them is 
well known to every Albanian. All the organizations 
turned out well and presented a fine appearance. The 
Washington Rifles followed the band, fifty strong. 
They marched in good order and attracted much 
commendation. The German musical societies made 
a fine appearance and came out well appointed and 
uniformed, and were highly praised by every one. 
The float of the Apollo society was one of the most 
attractive in line. It was a representation of a scene 
in a primeval wood, with the trees, grasses and shrub- 
bery finely represented, all the leaves waving and 
swaying in the breeze, combining to make it a most 
realistic scene. In the rear of the float was erected 
a throne, surrounded by garlands, leaves and other 
natural properties, and on this was seated the god, 
Mr. John H. Pfefler. On his head was a crown; he 
was arrayed in pink tights and had the appearance, 
one would imagine, the god of old presented. In front 
of him were two censors, with burning incense on 
them. The float was designed by Mr. Charles M. 
Lang. 

The Csecelia float was a handsomely decorated 
wagon, with vines, garlands and roses running around 
the entire body. Enclosed were the members, all 



268 



dressed similarly, and bowing and smiling to their 
friends in the crowds as they passed. The Harmonia 
float was a wagon, enclosing the members; it was 
handsomely decorated with flags, pennants and 
flowers. The Eintracht float was similar to the above 
two, equally handsome and presenting the same 
attractive appearance. They carried a banner — a 
new one made for the occasion — which cost them 
$450. On the rear of their float was an oil painting 
representing the Goddess of Music riding in her 
chariot. The Mozart club, with their float, attracted 
much attention by their fine appearance and orderly 
way of marching. On a throne erected on the float 
was a member attired as Mozart, who, in his pose, 
attracted much comment. 

The Liederkranz society came out well with a strong 
force and a handsome float. This was handsomely 
decorated and adorned with flags and pennants. The 
banner they carried on the occasion was a new one, 
very pretty in design and make, which cost $500. 
They came out with a strong force of members, and 
every one admired them. 

GERMANY'S ILLUSTRIOUS SONS. 

Another remarkable and appropriate float was that 
of the Constatter Volksfest Verein. This was a float 
decorated with garlands, wreaths and flowers, and 
with representations in the costume of their day of 
six of the most illustrious sons of Germany. They 
were Wagner, Guttenberg, Schiller, Goethe and Kep- 
pler. 

Harugari Saengerbund came out with about five 

269 



hundred men. There were also two floats, very pretty. 
They marched in good order and every one thought 
them liandsome. The Bayrische Volksfest Verein 
float was pretty, attracting much praise and atten- 
tion. The organizations, Barbarossa lodge, K. of P., 
and other societies marched well, and all appeared 
to good advantage. The floats of the business houses, 
notably lager and ale breweries and coal dealers and 
masons, were all handsome and in good keeping with 
the rest of the parade. The former were repre- 
sented by huge casks and gods of drink. Menges, 
the builder, had a miniature house in line with carpen- 
ters at work. The patriotic floats representing the 
Goddess of Liberty and All Nations were good and 
highly complimented by every one. 

The charitable organizations of Our Lady Help of 
Christians, Our Lady Help of Angels, and from the 
Church of the Holy Cross were well represented, and 
all commended them. 

The bands, the Albany City and Excelsior, dis- 
coursed fine selections while marching through the 
streets, and nothing in the line added more to the 
success and joyousness of the fifth than this same 
good music. While marching, the Apollos at fre- 
quent intervals broke line and marched in the form of 
the letter A. This added considerable to the attrac- 
tiveness of the division. 

THE ITALIAN DIVISION. 
The Italians were to have been in the second 
division. But their fine big ship, the " St. Maria," 
representing that ship of historic fame from which 

270 



Columbus first saw the new world, was too tall to go 
easily under the electric wires and some delay was 
caused. Therefore, the Italians formed a division of 
their own and came in last. Even then it was neces- 
sary to haul down the sails at almost every crossing, 
and to use a long hooked pole to raise the wires that 
the mast might come under. The ship was a beauty. 
She was twenty-two feet over all and thirty feet length 
of yard-arm, while it is the same distance to the top 
of the spars. The hull was painted black, and in 
golden letters were the word " St. Maria." It took 
3,400 feet of rope to rig the ship. The float was 
constructed by John Penzo, under the direction of 
Attilio Pasquini. A second float shown by the Ital- 
ians, and of almost equal beauty, represented an 
island of rock rising from the ocean. Beneath natu- 
ral trees reclined Indians, in costume, and the island 
stood for America discovered by Columbus in the ship 
" St. Maria." Between the floats came carriages with 
Italian citizens in large numbers. Attilio Pasquini 
was marshal. All the members wore the Italian 
colors and handsome badges, with the words: 
" Columbus Club, Albany's 200th anniversary." 

REVIEWED FROM THE STATE CAPITOL, BY GOVERNOR 
HILL AND SEVERAL STATE OFFICERS. 
Governor Hill, Lieutenant-Governor Jones, State 
Treasurer Fitzgerald, Secretary of State Cook and 
Miss Cook were the occupants of the veranda facing 
the office of the Secretary of State, as the parade 
passed the capitol. Governor Hill on many occasions, 
complimented the excellent marching of the several 
military and civic societies, and expressed consider- 

271 



able surprise at the large representation of men in 
line. He considered the Irish float, representing the 
thirty-two counties of Ireland, as a very handsome 
design, and its uniqueness and purpose reflected 
great credit upon those who originated the idea. 
The various handsome German floats were com- 
mented upon by him in strong terms of approval, 
and at the conclusion of the parade he summed up 
his opinion by saying the parade throughout was a 
pleasing one, the men marched well, the representa- 
tions of all nations were carried out with accurate 
faithfulness, and everybody in line evinced a sincere 
desire to lend every individual eff"ort to make the 
parade a success, which it was. Governor Hill and 
State officers reviewed the procession from the begin- 
ning to the end. 

The Irish Exercises. 



AN EXCELLENT PROGRAMME CARRIED OUT AT THE 
RINK — HON. HUGH REILLY'S ORATION. 

The rink would hardly hold the audience at these 
exercises, many of the people having waited an hour 
before the Irish division got back from parading and 
the programme was opened. Seated on the stage 
were Gen. Charles Tracey, presiding ; Rev. Father 
Burke, Hon. Hugh Reilly, Justices J. W. Walsh and 
Andrew Hamilton, David Healy, Dr. John Thompson, 
M. J. Louden, T. S. O'Brien and Henry Martin. 

A PLEASANT OCCASION. 
The rink presented a splendid appearance with its 
ceiling of variegated Chinese lanterns. Above the 

272 



stage was draped a large Irish flag, distinguishing the 
nationality. The Hibernian Rifle corps, who distin- 
guished themselves for excellent soldiery bearing 
during the parade, occupied seats in front, as did also 
St. Joseph's cadets. The Tenth Regiment band 
furnished music. At the opening of the exercises 
Rev. Father Burke, of St. Joseph's, invoked the 
divine blessing. Then a quartette, consisting of 
Messrs. William Toole, James Mahan, Stephen Moran 
and John J. Phelan, rendered a selection with excel- 
lent effect. After a very enjoyable reading by Miss 
Bertie Brice and the old tune, " Shamus O'Brien," 
had been excellently rendered by Mr. Edward Hanlon, 
Gen.Tracey introduced Hon. Hugh Reilly, the orator 
of the day. Mr. Reilly, in his effort, fully sustained 
his reputation as a public speaker. His manner was 
very impressive and he was thoroughly familiar with 
his subject. It is to be regretted that the address as 
delivered was not committed to writing, but the sub- 
stance is preserved in the following report compiled 
from his notes. Mr. Reilly spoke somewhat as follows : 

ADDRESS OF HONORABLE HUGH REILLY, 

Ladies and Gentlemen : On such an occasion as this, 
which has for its object the commemoration of the Two 
Hundredth Birthday of a great, free city, the Irish people 
would naturally participate. Their inherent love of liberty, 
their hatred of anything akin to despotism or tyranny, would 
cause them instinctively to cordially join in such festivities. 
But aside from this general reason why our race should be 
an active factor in to-day's celebration, there are many and 
special motives which impel them as a distinct race to give 
expression to their joy at the successful termination of the 
second century of the city's municipal existence. 

To outline and hurriedly sketch these particular reasons 
will be the subject of my brief address to-day, and after the 

273 



hasty examination which I have made of the connection of 
the Irish people with the rise, progress and history of this 
ancient town, I experienced a feehng of sincere regret that 
the task had not fallen to an abler representative, and that 
ample time had not been given for preparation. 

The connection of the Irish people with the history of 
this citv dates from its very inception. That charter which 
created it, which gave it special privileges and liberties, and 
the constitution and characteristics of a city was given and 
granted and signed by an Irishman. Thomas Dongan, 
whose signature is appended to that venerable parchment, 
was then the Governor of this province, and the representa- 
tive of the king and government which then controlled its 
destinies. So at the beginning of our municipal career we 
find an Irishman in command. The Governor of a colony 
remote from the home government and separated from it by 
the trackless ocean. 

I must confess that I had my misgivings when I under- 
took the execution of my task, as to the nature and character 
of the man, who two centuries ago wielded the power of the 
crown in this rude province. 

History had taught me that in the main such colonial and 
provincial rulers were far from praisworthy personages. 
The annals of all time had demonstrated that men clothed 
with such unlimited powers and arbitrary dominion became 
the most oppressive of t3Tants, the most rapacious of men, 
and I feared to find that in this instance history had repeated 
itself. It was hard to believe that a soldier, practically an 
exile, intrusted with the entire control of a semi-barbarous 
colony, beyond the vision of the home government and 
thousands of miles away from its control, would be found to 
be other than a tyrant. 

Yet what a glad surprise to discover that the Governor was 
an exception to the rule, and that to-day I could truthfully 
depict him in terms of almost unmeasured praise. Whether 
that ])raise is well bestowed I leave to you to judge from the 
historical facts which I will now present — facts which are 
indisputably verified in all the records and chronicles of his 
time. 

Thomas Dongan was the younger son of an Irish baronet, 
and was born in 1634. He was the son of Sir John Don- 
gan, a representative of a very ancient Roman Catholic 
family. He was also a nephew of the famous Duke of Tyr- 



274 



connel, lord-lieutenant of Ireland. There were nine sons 
and three daughters in the family, which was one of strong 
influence and devoted adherents of the house of Stuart, 
Charles II. being then the occupant of the English throne. 
When Governor Dongan was a mere boy, the English king, 
Charles I., met his death upon the scatTold, and the govern- 
ment passed into the control of Oliver Cromwell, who, when 
he had finished the subjugation of his English subjects, 
turned his attention across the water to Ireland, and made 
that fair land feel the effects of his bloody invasion. It may 
well be imagined that his native land did not afford to young 
Dongan an inviting abiding place. Partisans of the house 
of Stuart, and more especially Catholic ones, were not much 
in favor with Cromwell and his followers. At such a time 
young Dongan came to maturity, and like so many of his 
race was obliged to seek an asylum in exile. He became a 
soldier in the famous Irish brigade, and remained in the 
French service long after the restoration, when Charles 
the Second regained the English throne. The king not 
long after bestowed upon his brother, the Duke of York, 
this province, whence its name is derived, although it was at 
the time in the possession of the Dutch, a circumstance not 
regarded of much weight by English kings at any time. 

While Dongan was still serving as colonel of an Irish regi- 
ment in the service of the French king in 1677, King 
Charles issued a peremptory order requiring all English sub- 
jects to quit France in forty-eight hours. Colonel Dongan, 
ever loyal, yielded prompt obedience to the royal mandate, 
and left France with large arrears of pay due him and re- 
turned to England. In 1682 the Duke of York appointed 
him Governor of the province of New York, which at that 
time included a vast territory, embracing part of Maine and 
extending from the west side of the Connecticut river to 
Delaware bay. On August 25, 1683, he arrived in the city 
of New York and assumed the government of the province. 
It is from this point that the history of Dongan becomes 
most interesting. 

It will be necessary to take a brief retrospect of the history 
of the province prior to Dongan's arrival. In 1664 the 
province was in the possession of the Dutch, when an Eng- 
lish fleet bombarded the city of New Amsterdam, as they 
called it, and the Dutch capitulated, and Gov. Lovelace 
became Governor. 



275 



Gov. Lovelace immediately dispatched some soldiers 
under command of Capt. John ISIanning, to reduce Albany 
to subjection to the new order of things. Manning fulfilled 
his mission, and Fort Orange became Fort Albany, and the 
Dutch garrison gave way to English soldiers. Things re- 
mained in this shape until 1673, when Capt. Manning, then 
being commander-in-chief in New York, and Deputy Gov- 
ernor of the province, the Dutch retook possession. It is 
interesting here to note that Irishmen were already residents 
of the province, although I am free to confess that I base 
the assertion simply upon the names which appear in the 
records of these times, and the fact that the Duke of York 
had a great liking for the Irish. Among the soldiers in the 
fort when the Dutch retook it were Captain John Manning, 
Sergeants Patrick Dowdall and John Fitzgerald, and Lewis 
Collins and Thomas Quinn. There were only fifty soldiers 
in all. That there were Irishmen in the province prior to 
that time cannot be proved from the absence of Irish names 
in the records, for the Dutch so modified the orthography 
that no linguist could trace them. As for instance, in the 
ancient records of this county will be found that in the year 
1657 a conveyance was made to "Jan Andriesse (the Irish- 
man at Katskill)." Certainly without the addition, nobody 
would ever suspect his nationality. This great province was 
then governed with an iron hand ; the powers lodged in the 
Governor were absolute. He exercised all the functions of 
government. There was no representation of the people 
either in legislating or in matters of taxation. Yet one of 
Dongan's first acts was the calling of a general assembly, 
elected by the people, which assembled in October, 1683, 
one of whose first laws was the charter of liberties and priv- 
ileges, which provided for the election of members of 
assembly every three years. It also declared liberty of 
conscience and freedom of worship, and it further established 
the great principle for the maintenance of which the war of 
the Revolution was fought, that there should be no taxes im- 
posed except by act of the Governor and assembly. In 
1687, the declaration of indulgence was promulgated, which 
authorized public worship by any sect and repealed all 
religious qualifications for office. 

The duties of Governor Dongan were very severe. At 
the north he had to protect Albany and the adjacent county 
from the attacks of the French and hostile Indians. 0)i the 



276 



Connecticut border he had to repel the encroachment of the 
New England colonists. On the Pennsylvania border Penn 
sought to extend his dominions. In his war with the French 
he was compelled, in order to raise funds, to sell his plate 
and furniture, and mortgage his lands, at a cost to himself 
of nearly his entire fortune, $50,000, which an ungrateful 
government never repaid him. 

On the 2 2d of July, 1 686, Governor Dongan delivered to 
the first mayor the charter of the city of Albany, which still 
exists in the municipal records. A charter which, with few 
changes, remained in force until the year 1870, and is a 
model in its way. 

Of Dongan's character the records of those troublous times 
speak only in praise. Smith, the colonial historian says : 
" He was a man of integrity, moderation and genteel 
manners." 

Hinckley, of Plymouth, a zealous Puritan, said : " He 
was of a noble, praiseworthy mind and spirit, taking care 
that all the people in each town did their duty in maintaining 
the minister of the place though himself of a difterent 
opinion of their way," and Dominie Selyns wrote to the 
classis at Amsterdam, that Governor Dongan was " a man 
of knowledge, politeness and friendliness." 

In 1688 Governor Dongan's public life ceased and Gov- 
ernor Andres succeeded him. He was ofiered a regiment 
and the rank of major-general by King James, but he re- 
fused, and retired to his country seat on Long Island. The 
Enghsh revolution swept King James from his throne, and 
William and Mary were proclaimed. When the news of the 
change reached New York, Jacob Leisler, a fanatic and 
bigot, seized the fort and pretended that the partisans of 
King James had formed a plot to seize the province. Loud 
cries of a papist plot were raised. Governor Andres was 
arrested at Boston. Dongan, charged as a papist, was 
hunted about from place to place, and writs issued for liis 
apprehension. After lying in the bay for a fortnight waiting 
to sail for England, stress of weather compelled his return. 
He escaped to Rhode Island and reached England in 1691. 
A new Governor was appointed and Leisler met a deserved 
fate on the scaffold. Dongan found his brother, the Earl of 
Limerick, an exile, and the family estates confiscated. His 
brother died in 1698 and Thomas Dongan became Earl of 
Limerick. He spent the remainder of his days in a vain 



277 



endeavor to collect his claim from the government, ^i 7,000. 
An act of parliament was passed in 1702 recognizing his 
claim to the family estates, but he could only redeem them 
on payment of incumbrances placed on them by the Dutch 
general to whom they were given. In 1704 he petitioned 
Queen Anne for a third of his debt, offering to release the 
rest, and stating that it would be better for him to live in 
Turkey than in England. But it did not seem to avail him, 
for in 1714 he states that, after paying his brother's debts 
and his own, he had litde left for his support. In Decem- 
ber, 1715, the last Earl of Limerick of his race died peace- 
fully in London. On his tombstone, at St. Pancras, is this 
simple inscription : "The Right Hon. Thos. Dongan, Earl 
of Limerick, died Dec. 14, 17 "5, aged 81 years. Requiscat 
in pace, amen." Hon. James \V. Gerard, to whose essay 
on the New York charter granted by Dongan about the same 
time as our charter, I am much indebted for the materials 
of this address, in concluding a notice of Dongan says: " He 
was a man of experience in war and politics, and filled the 
public duties of his difficult post with activity and wisdom. 
He was considerate and moderate in his government — ^just 
and tolerant — and his personal character was that of an 
upright and courteous gentleman." 

I have devoted considerable time to the consideration of 
his deeds, but he was a noble Irishman and well deserves it, 
and the Irish people owe a debt of everlasting gratitude to 
his memory. The recent foundation of the " Dongan Club," 
by representative young Irishmen of the city, is a fitting, 
and I trust a lasting monument to his worth. 

From the time of Dongan to the Revolution the records 
do not furnish us many data in reference to the Irish in this 
city. We find that Dongan himself strongly urged upon his 
king to send Irish colonists " who could live happily here." 
This appeal is published in the " Documentary History of 
New York." Whether they were sent or not is not neces- 
sary to determine, although as early as 1720 we find among 
the few city freeholders here such names of Daniel Kelly, 
William and John Hogan and John Collins, which bear a 
strong impress of Irish origin. In 1729 we learn that a 
number of Irish families from county Longford, who had 
landed at Cape Cod, moved westward to the banks of the 
Hudson river. Among these was Charles Clinton, whose 
family gave two governors to the State, George and De Witt 

278 



Clinton. In 1755 Philip Mullen was firemaster of the city, 
and in 1755 Philip Ryley was the person in charge of the 
town clock. In 1770 we find Pat Clark, Pat McGrigor, 
Owen Lynch, James Marr, Pat Cooney, John Brien, Luke 
Cassidy, John O'Brien, Pat Gahigan, Ryan, McCue, Moore, 
Daley and Dempsey among the inhabitants. 

In the era of the Revolution, while history gives but little 
light upon the deeds of Irishmen in this locality, save of the 
heroic Montgomery and Clintons, the action of the race, 
both at home and abroad, show that their sympathies were 
with the colonies. At home Burke, Barre and Sheridan 
eloquently defended the patriotic cause, and the Irish com- 
mons refused a vote of money to be used against them. Of 
the fifty six names attached to the Declaration of Independ- 
ence, nine are of Irish origin. Four Irish commodores, 
including the illustrious Barry and Charles Stewart, " Old 
Ironsides," the ancestor of the renowned Parnell, shed lustre 
on the Irish name. In the army, General Sullivan and Mad 
Anthony Wayne, both of Irish descent, fought nobly wath 
their patriotic brethren against the British foe. So it can be 
fairly assumed that Albany's Irishmen in those stuTing times 
did their duty. 

From the time that America shook off the English hold, 
the records of Irishmen in this city are more numerous and 
frequent. In 1788 we find Robert and John Barber, Long- 
ford county Irishmen, settled here as State printers and 
engaged in publishing the Albany Register. This was more 
than a century after the granting of the charter, and yet we 
find that the city had grown very slowly. This was due 
mainly to the fact that many of the early settlers considered 
it but a temporary abiding place for purposes of commerce 
only, and many of the Dutch, after accumulating wealth, 
returned either to Holland or to New York, where greater 
conveniences of life could be obtained. The population 
was in 1790 less than 3,500. But a new order of things 
ensued and emigrants rapidly arrived who came to stay. 

In 1796, the Irish had become so numerous that they 
commenced the erection of the original St. Mary's church, 
and Thomas Barry, Daniel McEwen, Terence O'Donnell, 
Jeremiah Driskill, Michael Begley, William Donovan and 
Philip Farley were the trustees. At this time the population 
was about 4,000, exclusive of slaves, and was composed of 
people of all nations, and more tongues were spoken here 



279 



than in any other part of the country. Ten years later the 
increase was so great that a special act of the legislature was 
passed incorporating the St. Patrick's society of the city of 
Albany, the objects being " to afford relief to indigent and 
distressed emigrants from the kingdom of Ireland." This 
act became a law February 6, 1807. 

So that at this early day we find the Irish already in occu- 
pancy of their own church and organized into a society for 
their own protection. The officers, in 1813, were Thomas 
Hannan, president; Hugh Flynn, vice-president; CorneUus 
Dunn, treasurer; John Reddy, secretary. 

In 1813 the first directory of this city was published and 
is still extant, and a hasty perusal of the few names in it 
shows that the Emerald Isle was well represented. There 
were Barrys, Byers and Buckley, Burkes and Cassidys, 
Clarks, Coles, Connellsand Connellys, Courtneys, Delaneys, 
Doyles, Dufifys, Dunns, Flynns, Furlongs, Gillespies, 
Graces, Hogans, Haggertys, Harts, Kanes, Kennedys, 
Loudens, Lynchs, McCabes, McCarthys, McCoUums, 
McGills, Maguffins, Mathers, Mannings, Moores, Murphys, 
Murrays, Nugents, Rileys, Tierneys and Walshs, and yet at 
this time the population was but little over 10,000. 

In the year previous, England had resorted to the extreme 
of boarding our vessels on the high seas and impressing such 
persons found thqreon whom they deemed to be F^nglish 
subjects ; in the war which resulted, the Irish of Albany 
were not unrepresented. James Maher organized an Albany 
regiment known as the " Irish Greens," which, under his 
captaincy, did valiant service in the battle against their 
hereditary enemy at Lundy's Lane and at Sackett's Harbor, 
and when the English were everywhere repulsed, returned to 
the city, and were received with the utmost enthusiasm. 
Captain Maher was also for a considerable period the libra- 
rian of the State Library. 

In 1823, when a public ceremony was had in celebration 
of the completion of the Erie canal, a work undertaken by 
Governor DeWitt Clinton, a descendant of Charles Clinton, 
a Longford county Irishman, the St. Patrick's society of this 
city paraded. John Cassidy was a member of the common 
council committee which had the matter in charge. The 
society was under the command, as the records of that early 
day say, of that veteran river navigator, Captain Peter 
Donnelly. 

280 



In 1825 we find Cassidy, Costigan and Maher in the list 
of aldermanic candidates. 

In 1829 the litde church was outgrown and a new one 
erected on the same site and the corner stone laid by John 
Cassidy. The trustees were Thomas Gough, a well-known 
banker, James Maher, the valiant captain of the " Irish 
Greens," John Reynolds, William Howe, Patrick McQuade, 
Timothy Hayes. 

In 1833 an act was passed incorporating the Hibernian 
Provident society, one of whose objects was " to bring be- 
fore the American people the republican features of the Irish 
character." The incorporators were James HaUiday, James 
Maher, William Osborne, Peter C. Doyle, Thomas Gough, 
William O'Donnel, Michael Cagger and others. 

This society became a prominent institution of the city, 
and in its long and honorable career did much to advance 
the patriotic and charitable purposes of its incorporation. 

From this time onward the annals of the city are replete 
with the records of distinguished Irishmen and their de- 
scendants. Here ministered Father McCloskey, first bishop 
of the city and first cardinal of the church in America. Dr. 
Edmund B. O'Callaghan here wrote his History of the New 
Netherlands and the Documentary History of New York. 
Peter Cagger, the brilliant lawyer, the astute politician, the 
Warwick of his time. William Cassidy, the brilliant jour- 
nalist and accomplished scholar. John Tracey, the philan- 
thropic and public spirited citizen. John McKnight, John 
Manning, Dennis B. Gaffney, John J. Marrin, George Hill, 
David Orr, James Quinn and his son, Terence J. Quinn, 
ah kindliness and charity. But their names are legion, and 
it would be invidious to make any selections. Sufiice it to 
say that in all the walks of life, professional or commercial, 
the Irish race, for the past half century, has played a promi- 
nent and creditable part, as it has in the official prepara- 
tions for the week, wherein we are chiefly represented by the 
Hon. Michael N. Nolan, Albany's first Irish-born Mayor. 
And when a quarter of a century ago the dark clouds of 
civil war swept over the land, no race of men in this nation 
rallied so quickly and so numerously to secure the safety of 
the Republic as the Irish. The Irishmen of Albany 
were no exception. The heroes of that race were legion. 
The thrilling scenes, the fearful havoc, the valiant deeds 
of that conflict are fresh in the minds of our people. 

281 



Among the first to respond to President Lincoln's call for 
volunteers was the Twenty-fifth regiment of this city, under 
the command of that heroic Irishman, Col. Michael K. 
Bryan. The enthusiasm which greeted these noble fellows 
as the colors of the regiment were handed to the colonel by 
Mrs. Thacher, the respected wife of the then mayor and 
father of the gendeman who now fills that honorable office, 
cannot now be described. And when the news was borne 
to this city that the fearless soldier had been killed at Port 
Hudson, on June 14, 1863, the city was wrapped in sorrow. 
Col. Bryan's memory should ever be kept green in the hearts 
of his grateful countrymen. But the list of those brave 
fellows who fought and bled and died that their country 
might live, is a long and a sad one, and time will not allow 
more than a brief mention of their sad fate. Col. James P. 
McMahon, a Wexford boy, fell at Cold Harbor in 1864 
with the colors in his hands. Col. Michael B. Stafford, 
Major Miles McDonald, Capt. Edward B. Carroll, Capt. 
John McGuire. Capt. John Sullivan, Lieut. Dempsey, Lieut. 
'WiUiam Emmet Orr, Lieut. Patrick Maher, Capt. William 
Murray, Hugh Hammill, were among those brave soldiers 
who on the battlefield went down, and whose courage in 
that memorable conflict shed lustre on the Irish name. 
Let us in this moment of rejoicing not forget the sad fate 
of these heroes, at the same time remembering that 

" Whether on the scaffokl high, 
Or in the liattle's van. 
The fittest place where man can die 
Is where he dies for man." 



The growth of the Irish race in this city is remarkable. 
The best authority puts the Irish population, including those 
of immediate Irish descent, at not less than one third of the 
entire population of 100,000, while some put it at one-half. 
The last State census of 1875 shows the number of inhabit- 
ants actually born in Ireland to be 14,184 out of a total of 
86,541, or nearly one-sixth. The last United States census 
of 1880 ascertains the number of our inhabitants actually 
born in Ireland to be 12,575 '^^^ ^^ "^ total of 90,578, or 
nearly one-seventh. A careful examination of the assess- 
ment rolls of the city show that out of the 18,134 pieces of 
property assessed (which does not include corporations) that 



282 



5,927 are assessed to persons of distinctive Irish names. 
And this property has not been acquired for a song or a 
string of beads from the Indians, but has been purchased by 
honest beads of perspiration and hteral " sweat of the brow " 
of the possessors. From these figures it can readily be seen 
that the Irish and their children will be called upon to take 
a prominent part in the future of this city, as they have in 
the past. Even if the tide of emigration from the Emerald 
Isle should entirely cease the number of the race now here, 
and their descendants " to the manner born," will necessarily 
make them a potent factor in municipal affairs. 

How will that influence be exercised ? The future alone 
will answer, but in this time of crying need for a belter ad- 
ministration of the government of cities, I have confidence 
in the good sense of the Irish race to endeavor to secure 
needed reforms. If they must take part in the municipal 
aftairs, why should they not lead in the direction of economy 
and pure government ? Why should they not emulate the 
example of their fellow countryman, the illustrious Dongan, 
and follow in the paths he has made ? We could pay no 
greater tribute to his memory and worth than by endeavoring 
manfully to secure a wise, economical and honest adminis- 
tration of public affairs. Such a course would commend us 
to our fellow-citizens, and increase the respect and esteem 
in which they already hold us. 

The Irish race can have no sympathy or aftiliation with 
socialism or communism. \Vhile they will struggle manfully 
in a lawful manner for the rights of the masses, yet when, if 
ever, the red tide of anarchy assails us, they will be found 
on the side of law and order, of protection to property and 
the family relations. In this, as in other duties of citizen- 
ship, I have implicit faith in the people whose hearts are 
filled with too much gratitude to the land of their adoption, 
which received them with open arms in their distress, to per- 
mit them to destroy or aid in destroying the institutions and 
laws they have sworn to obey. 

A duet, Venetian boat song, was then rendered by 
the Messrs. Phenie and Effie Gannon, and Mr. T. J. 
Lanahan gave a very excellent recitation, followed by 
a medley double quartette by Messrs. E. F. Yorke, 
J. McCormack, C. Colarn, E. Hanlon, J. O'Neill, J. 



283 



Gallagher, H. Brown, J. Frcnidan. Then Mr. M. J. 
Louden rendered an excellent poem, written for the 

occasion. 

At the conclusion of the exercises at the rink all of 
the members of the Irish societies marched to Wash- 
ington park, headed by the Tenth Regiment band, for 
the purpose of planting their memorial tree. The 
crowd was so great and pressing that it was necessary 
for the Hibernian Rifle corps to form a line about the 
tree. The Rev. Father Burke officiated and assisted 
in filling the excavation. He made some fitting re- 
marks, as did also several representative Irish citizens 
who were present. The tree is set on the east side 
of the German tree, and in a line with that and the 
one planted by the colored citizens. 

German Exercises. 



PLANTING MEMORIAL TREES. 

At the conclusion of the parade, the German socie- 
ties — The Cecelia, Liederkranz, Mozart, Liederkranz 
O. S. D. P., Eintracht and Harmonia — headed by the 
Albany City band, proceeded to Washington park to 
plant the memorial oak. A large crowd had already 
gathered. In the centre of the croquet lawn a large 
platform had been erected, which was beautifully 
decorated, being festooned with the United States 
colors and bearing the flags of all nations. This 
stand was occupied by the several societies. Several 
selections were played by the band. " Das ist der 
Tag des Herrn " was then sung by the united socie- 
ties. On its arrival, the Germans headed by Presi- 

284 



dent Bissikummer, proceeded to the location, where 
the tree was placed in the excavation made for it by 
the president, who made some appropriate remarks. 
The location of the tree is directly north of the 
plot set aside for the King fountain. After the earth 
had been thrown about the roots of the tree the soci- 
eties returned to the grand stand, where the remainder 
of the exercises were carried out, " Das Deutsche 
Lied " being sung by a chorus of united singers. 

AN ELOQUENT ADDRESS 

was then delivered in German by Emmanuel Labi- 
shiner. He said that from time immemorial it had 
been a custom of the Germans to appropriately ob- 
serve extraordinary historical events by the planting 
of an oak. The custom was probably brought by 
the German forefathers from their early home, and 
it has been retained until the present day. He then 
spoke in a feeling manner of the commemoration of 
the two hundredth anniversary of Albany. He op- 
portunely compared the growth of Albany to the 
slow and sturdy growth of the oak, which, after a 
century, is the emblem of strength. In conclusion, 
he said that the Germans, who were thorough Alba- 
nians, took a great interest in the growth and pros- 
perity of the city. The gentleman's remarks were 
well received. " Schlachtenchor " was then sung by 
the chorus and a selection rendered by the band. 
The exercises concluded by singing "America." The 
societies were then photographed by a well known 
artist. 



285 



Exercises by Colored Societies. 



AN ELM TREE PLANTED WITH IMPOSING CEREMONIES. 
After the Germans had concluded their exer- 
cises, the colored citizens proceeded in a body to 
where their elm tree was to be planted. It is on the 
same plot, a few rods from the German oak. Reach- 
ing the place the tree was placed in position, and a 
short but fervent prayer offered by the Rev. Mr. Der- 
rick. He thanked God that, as representative of a 
once down-trodden and despised race, which had 
been lifted up, they had the privilege enjoyed on that 
occasion. At the conclusion of the prayer, " Coro- 
nation " was sung, after which Mr. T. H. S. Pennington, 
president of the colored society, but residing at Sara- 
toga Springs, spoke as follows : 

To THE Mayor, Common Council and others of 

THE Bi-CeNTENNIAL COMMITTEE : 

What a wonder ! What a crime ! What a shame ! Two 
hundred years ago the Dutch settled here to commence life 
in an independent way. After being here a short time by 
trading with the Indians, who were then the aborigines of 
the country, they became rich, and like all others, thought 
they must have servants, and not being able to make 
such out of the American Indians, they sought other fields 
to procure the requisite laborers. After a sliort time Africa 
was proposed by some inhuman, although Virginia had 
already commenced the African slave trade. This 
method of involuntary servitude was carried on in this 
State until about sixty-eight or sixty-nine years ago, when 
the Legislature of the State abolished the diabolical 
system of slavery. This, however, in one sense was true, 
but taking into consideration the many disadvantages that 
the descendants of Ham labored under, on account of color, 
and their former condition, we might almost as well have 
remained as we were. But the Bi-centennial has brought 
about a great change. To-day, that once persecuted race, 

286 



meets here on one broad platform, and independent with 
all nations, we have met for the purpose of commemorating 
the settling of Albany, and to perpetuate the celebration of 
the Bi-centennial. And we, as a part and parcel of this great 
Republic, in common with others, purpose to plant an elm, 
with appropriate tablet attached, to show our affiliation with 
and approval of this movement. 

Mr. Robert J. Mclntyre then followed with a stir- 
ring speech in which he accepted the tree from Dr. 
Thomas E. Elkins, who raised it from a seed. He 
said : 

Dr. Elkins : As the chairman of the Colored Citizens' 
association of this ancient and honorable city, it affords me 
pleasure to be the Albanian to whom the duty of the receipt 
of this tree from your hands should fall. You have spent the 
greater part of your life — now well up in the limit mentioned 
in Scripture as the time allotted to man — upon this part of 
the great State of New York known as Albany. When this 
place was but a wyck, or place of rest, as its name implies, 
there were among its inhabitants many people, mainly Ger- 
mans, who, though not the first to settle in this new world, 
still had foresight enough to sail up the Hudson in search 
ot a new land flowing with milk and honey. Time will not 
permit a complete recital of the history of this our native 
city at this time, still, as you have stated, many years ago 
the African race which we, in part, represent, were found 
here serving as servants to the farmers having secured these 
rich lands from their original owners, the Mohawk tribes of 
Indians, and were proceeding to till its soil and improve it 
in every manner till it has reached so near a state of perfec- 
tion as you find around and within its borders to-day. It is 
not my purpose to undertake to relate a history of this city 
or our connection with it ; yet, I desire to say that in answer 
to those ignorant negroes who were anxious to know of me 
the color and style of our flag, I point them with pride to 
the starry flag, whose bright stars and broad stripes float a 
warning to all who train under or claim any other, and wish 
to tell them that in Africa, where all of our forefathers came 
from involuntarily, there was no civilization, no education, no 
houses and no flag, and that having served and fought and 
bled and died on America's shores we, too, have a right to 

287 



feel at home under its flag, which is our flag, and though we 
appear to-day in Hne as colored people, we are the second 
best Americans, and I am proud to say, Albanians, 

I notice that the present of this tree, whilst it marks an 
era in the history of Albany, is actually presented to the 
mayor, aldermen and commonalty of Albany. I accept it, 
therefore, and feel sure that its future welfare will be looked 
after, and that the people who plant it will exemplify in a 
strong degree some of its characteristics, foremost of which 
is its sturdiness. We, like this elm tree, have come here to stay, 
Our German friends have here erected one to mark their part 
in the celebration of the two hundredth year of our city's 
birth. To them I say in closing, that for courtesies extended 
to us in this Bi-centenary, we return thanks. We know them 
as a noble, generous, hospitable, loyal people, and I add the 
hope that this fresh bond of reciprocal union between them 
and us may soon tie us as firmly together as the ivy does 
the tree around which it loves to cling. I cannot let this 
day pass without calhng to your minds a fault in connection 
with this park. Within this piece of ground many of us 
have shed many bitter tears upon the graves of loved ones. 
In my own time I have followed more than a dozen rela- 
tives to their graves, and here in sight of this place stands 
the largest tree within this park, an elm at that, and it was 
planted by my mother when it was but a switch about fifty 
years ago. Joining with you in the hope that this tree may 
grow to be so large as to attract attention, I thank you for the 
patience with which you have listened to my feeble remarks. 

The exercises closed with singing "America." The 
tree and assemblage was then photographed by Mr. 
Ashton. 

Scottish Games. 



A GLORIOUS DAY FOR THE CALEDONIANS. 

The Scottish games at the Fair grounds in the 
afternoon, under the auspices of the Caledonian club, 
attracted several thousand people. All trains and 
horse cars running in that direction were crowded 

288 



The crowd kept increasing until nearly five o'clock, 
and it is estimated fully 6,000 men, women and 
children were scattered about the grounds. All kinds 
of sport was available. In the main hall Parlati's 
orchestra furnished most excellent music for dancing. 
The dance hall was liberally patronized. The princi- 
pal attraction, however, was the athletic exercises by 
the representatives of " Bonnie Scotland," who were 
present in large numbers. The Highland pipers 
were numerous and attracted much attention. It 
was nearly three o'clock before the events of the 
afternoon were started. The contestants were mostly 
professionals and the records are consequently of the 
best. The events contested and the winners of the 
first prizes, which varied from five dollars to fifty 
dollars, follows : 

Best Highland costume, gold medal valued at ten 
dollars, won by W. S. Mitchell, of Albany ; 200 yards 
race, for members only, Thomas Kirkpatrick ; putting 
heavy stone, S. D. McLean, thirty- seven feet ten 
inches ; running hop-step-and-jump, Barrows, forty- 
one feet; hop-step-and-jump, extra for members, 
Hyslop, thirty-seven feet eleven inches ; putting light 
stone, O. Clark, thirty-six feet seven inches ; running 
long jump. Barrows, twenty-one feet eleven inches; 
throwing light hammer, O. Clark, ninety-seven feet 
two inches ; hitch and kick, Slader, nine feet ten 
inches ; half mile race, Hyslop, two minutes and 
fifteen seconds ; mile race, Grant, four minutes and 
nineteen and a half seconds ; tug-of-war between 
eight men captained by James Cochrane, and a like 
number captained by George Cruikshank, was won 

289 



by Cochrane's men. Following was the team : Wil- 
liam Blackburn, James Kirkpatrick, Robert Lockhart, 
James Gow, Silas Brewster, Reginald Kirkpatrick and 
A. Salmond. Bag-pipe competition, Sinclair Swan- 
son ; tossing the caber, Johnson, forty-one feet and 
seven and one-half inches ; best highland fling cos- 
tume, Malcom McNeil; throwing heavy hammer, 
Cattarnech, eighty-nine feet ten inches ; hurdle race, 
Barrows; vaulting with pole, tie between Kirkpatrick 
and Clark, nine feet and seven inches each ; running 
high jump, Johnston, five feet seven inches; sword 
dance, Sinclair; five-mile race, James Grant, Boston, 
twenty-five minutes and twenty-four and a half 
seconds. 

The Aquatic Carnival. 



FIRST DAY OF THE REGATTA AT PLEASURE ISLAND. 

The weather and water experienced during the first 
day of the national regatta of the Amateur associa- 
tion could hardly have been more suitable if it had 
been especially ordered for the occasion. The 
severity of the sun's rays was most pleasantly miti- 
gated by clouds that threatened rain, but which 
considerately withheld their burden with the exception 
of a few scattering drops, which did no harm and 
provided a little pleasant employment, as the spec- 
tators sought the friendly and convenient shelter of 
the pavilion. The rain came late and in so small a 
quantity that no harm ensued, and the people were 
soon back in their positions on the stand and along 
the front of the island, placidly awaiting the next 

290 



event on the programme. A pleasant and exhilara- 
ting breeze blew on the island during the greater 
part of the afternoon, but with hardly sufficient force 
to even ripple the surface of the course over which 
the contests of the day were so stubbornly fought. 

The referee was Mr. Harvey K. Hinchman, of Phila- 
delphia, and a member of the executive committee, 
Mr. Parker W. Page, judge at the finish, and Messrs. 
E. Stanley Foster and R. O. Morse as time-keepers. 
The referee's boat was the tug Susie, while the guests 
of the committee occupied the Fuller, and the repre- 
sentative of the press was the Wotkyns, which had 
been placed by the committee in charge of Mr. 
Charles J. Hailes. 

FIRST HEAT OF JUNIOR SINGLES. 

The weather was lowering, but the rain that 
threatened kindly held off. The water was in good 
condition, wind rather flawy from the west, and tide 
in the ebb. These men started: i. O. W. Dyer, 
Crescent B. C, Boston, Mass; 2. M. T. Ouigley, 
Institute B. C, Newark, N. J; 3. Thomas Hield, 
Pioneer B. C, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; 4. B. J. Mullins, 
Albany R. C. 

The start was at i : 50 P. M. Quigley led from 
start to finish, Mullins being beaten by only a 
length. Time, 8:59; Mullins, 9 : 03^. 

THE FIRST HEAT SENIOR SINGLES 
was started at 2 : 20, and was a magnificent struggle 
The following three started, the water being in better 
condition than in the first heat: i. Peter Snyder, 
Mutual B. C, Albany, N. Y. ; 2. Edward J. Mulcahy, 

291 



Mutual B. C. Albany, N. Y. ; 3. John D. Ryan, 
Bradford B. C, Boston, Mass. 

Mulcahy got the best of the start, and soon settled 
down to a long, powerful, pretty sweep. He took the 
lead from the word go, and was not headed, though 
he apparently had hard work to stay in front until the 
heat was finished. As they swept past the grand 
stand it was almost impossible from the press boat to 
say who was leading. Mulcahy apparently had a 
little the better of it. So it proved, the judge at the 
finish deciding that Mulcahy had won by half a length. 
The time was: Mulcahy, 8:31^; Ryan, 8:33!; 
Snyder, 8: 41 $. 

SECOND HEAT, JUNIOR SINGLES. 

There were three starters in the heat, as follows : 
I. Edward Hinton, Union Springs Am. B. C. ; 2. 
W. J. Gugerty, Cohoes B, C. ; 3. James L. Berry, 
Boihng Springs B, C, Rutherford, N. J. ; 4. H. How- 
land, Cornell University Navy, Ithaca. 

The heat was one of the prettiest imaginable. 
Berry's time was 8: 58, Howland's, 8: 58^, Hinton's, 
9 : 065, Gugerty, 9 : 30. Howland was given the heat 
and will row in the final. Berry was disqualified. 

THE SECOND H^AT, SENIOR SINGLES, 
was to have been between the following: J. J. Dono- 
hoe. Nautilus R. C., Hamilton, Ont. ; E. J. Carney, 
Institute B. C, Newark, N. J.; James L. Nolan, 
EHzabeth B. C, Portsmouth, Va. Nolan, who was 
also entered for the junior race, remained out. Dona- 
hoe almost paddled over the course in front of Carney, 
winning in 8 : 49^, Carney, 8 : 53. 

292 



THE THIRD HEAT, JUNIOR SINGLES, 
followed and had four starters, as follows: i. Elmer 
Van Benthuysen, Amber B. C, Amber, N. Y. ; 2. 
James L. Nolan, Elizabeth B. C, Portsmouth, Va. ; 

3. William J. Gleason, Albany R. C, Albany, N. Y. ; 

4. John F. Dailey, Bradford B. C, Cambridgeport, 
Mass. 

Dailey got considerably the best of the start, and 
was not headed during the heat. Nolan pressed 
Dailey very hard, and the latter won by only a few 
feet, after one of the closest and most exciting fin- 
ishes of the day. Van Benthuysen was third and 
Gleason fourth. The time was: Dailey, 8:47^; 
Nolan, 8:47!; Van Benthuysen, 8:52. It was the 
first race in which Dailey ever started. 

The next event was the third heat of senior singles 
with these starters: i. D. P. Nowlan, Albany R. C, 
Albany, N. Y. ; 2. S. Scholes, Amateur R. C, To- 
ronto, Ont. ; 3. Martin F. Monahan, Albany R. C, 
Albany, N. Y. 

It was expected to be a great race, and proved to 
be such as far as it went, though it was marred near 
the finish by a very unfortunate foul. When Mona- 
han and Scholes were both heading for the east 
shore, and well in toward it, their boats came to- 
gether and remained locked despite all their strug- 
gles. Meantime Nowlan, while the two faster men 
were quarreling, went on and won the heat in 8 :49^. 
The referee promptly disqualified Scholes, who was 
clearly out of his water, and under regatta rule 23 
decided to allow Monahan to compete in the final 
heat. 

293 



THE FOURTH HEAT OF JUNIOR SINGLES 

was another very close and pretty contest. It had 
these young men as starters: i. T. F. Hill, Crescent 
B. C, Boston, Mass. ; 2. M. Shea, Don Amateur 
R. C, Toronto, Ont. ; 3. F. G. McDougall, New York 
A. C. ; 4. L. S. De Zouche, Laureate B. C, Troy, 
N. Y. 

The race all the way was between McDougall and 
Shea. The former led off and won the heat handily 
by several lengths. De Zouche and Hill had a pretty 
race for third place, Hill resigning in favor of the 
Trojan opposite the anchored barges. The time was, 
McDougall, 8:49!; Shea, 9:03; De Zouche, 9:13. 

The last heat but one of the day was the conclud- 
ing trial heat of senior singles. These two started : 
J. F. Corbett. Farragut B. C, Chicago, 111. ; J. J. 
Ryan, Bayside R. C, Toronto, Ont. 

Corbett, the Chicago giant, had no difficulty what- 
ever in showing the Canadian the way over the mile 
and a half course. Corbett's time was 8:46^; 
Ryan's 8 :57. 



FAIRMOUNT WINS THE FOUR. 
The four-oared race, the last of the day's pro- 
gramme, had these starters : i. Laureate B. C, Troy, 
N. Y. : A. W. Harrington, bow ; F. S. Holly, 2 ; W. 
T. Williamson, Jr., 3 ; E. B. Williamson, stroke. 2. 
Nautilus R. C, Hamilton, Ont. : William Wark, bow; 
Charles Furlong, 2 ; Donald Irvine, 3 ; D. Donohue, 
stroke. 3. Fairmount R. Association, Philadelphia, 



>94 



Pa.; W. H. Brownell, bow; N. Hayes, 2; H. A. 
Root, 3 ; J. H. Boyer, stroke. 4. Argonaut R. C, 
Toronto, Ont. : R. McKay, bow ; Oliver Murphy, 2 ; 
A. G. Thompson, 3 ; J. W. Hogg, stroke. 

Fairmount led off, rowing a beautiful stroke, the 
Trojans a close second, and working in excellent form. 
The Canadians steered badly near the finish, and the 
Philadelphians won by a couple of lengths in 8:01^, 
Agronauts 8 : o/f, Laureates 8 : 22. Nautilus not 
timed. 



Fraternal Emblems. 



IMPOSING PARADE BY SECRET ORGANIZATIONS. 

The spirit of jubilation ran to the highest pitch, 
when the secret organizations made their march 
through the city. The additional color of evening 
illumination had been given to the occasion. 

The parade was through home avenues, and dem- 
onstrated that the decorations made by our citizens 
at their residences were equal in unanimity and excel- 
lence to the superb displays of our principal business 
streets. Antique buildings vied with modern in their 
illumination, and Greek fire shed a halo over land- 
marks two hundred and nineteen years old, untouched 
and standing intact with the primitive finish of age 
that we revert to as sacred. Lanterns blazing with 
decorative hues threw light across bronzed tablets to 
live for centuries as the permanent establishment of 
historical fact. 



295 



THE FOUR FLOATS. 
The parade was headed by Grand Marshal H. H. 
Russ, Jr., and his staff, followed by the Twenty-first 
regiment band, of Poughkeepsie, twenty-one pieces. 
After this came Canton Nemo, No. i, I. O. O. F., in 
command of Maj. Henry Reineck, with forty-five 
men in uniform. There were also many other mem- 
bers of the order from different lodges in the ranks 
in citizens' dress. The floats were four in number, 
and each one possessed much beauty and artistic 
merit. They were accompanied by uniformed attend- 
ants bearing hugh lamps and burning colored fire, 
making the scene, as a whole, of the greatest brilliancy. 
The first float represented " Friendship," and was an 
illustration of the well-known story of David and 
Jonathan a huge rock rises from the float, and grouped 
around this are "Jonathan," Mr. J. D. Robertson; 
" David," Mr. R. H. McDonald, and the latter's armor 
bearer, represented by William Skinner. The second 
float represented " Brotherly Love." Upon the sward 
is stretched the Israelite who " fell among the thieves," 
and leaning over him and binding up his wounds is 
the Samaritan. The latter character was taken by 
Augustus Bowers, and the Israelite by George 
Wentworth. The third float was entitled " Truth," 
and represented the interior of a temple. Seated 
upon a throne was the high priest, Charles H. 
Gamble, and gathered around in their picturesque 
and striking costumes were the priests, represented 
by Henry Goertz, Charles Swart, Fred Mayers and 
Emil Reinkee. The banner bearers were Herman 
Ryders, Edward Stroebel Benjamin Nelligar and 

296 



Lyman B. Harvey. All of these floats were con- 
tributed by the Odd Fellows of the city, and were 
constructed by John J. Carlin & Co., scenic artists. 
The fourth and last float, which did not wheel into 
line until the corner of Lark and Washington avenue 
was reached, represented the execution scene from 
Damon and Pythias, showing the interior of the coun- 
cil chamber. The king was represented by N. M. 
Wemple, the executioner by T. J. Markay, Pythias 
by T. Guardineer, and Damon by E. Guardineer. 
The two marshals in uniform were James Hotaling 
and G. H. Guardineer. This float was contributed 
by the Knights of Pythias, and was constructed by 
Prof. Blair, of the Leland. The entire parade was, 
perhaps, the most novel which has yet been seen in 
this city, and it reflects great credit upon its origina- 
tors. 



WEDNESDAY, JULY 21 ST. 
Civic Day. 

Morning. — Parade of local and visiting civic 
organizations. Knights of Pythias, Uniformed Odd 
Fellows, Albany Fire Department, Exempt Firemen, 
Visiting Firemen, Singing Societies, Political Clubs, 
etc. 

Afternoon. — Second and last day of National 
regatta. 

Evening. — Historical pageant, with special refer- 
ence to Albany. 

297 



RECEPTION OF THE ENVOYS FROM HOLLAND AND 
THE UNIVERSITY OF LEYDEN AT THE MAYOR'S 
OFFICE. 

Shortly before the great procession of civic day- 
started, a most interesting ceremony was performed 
at the mayor's office in the city hall. Dr. T. Blom 
Coster, deputed to represent officially the govern- 
ment of Holland and the city of Amsterdam at the 
Bi-centennial celebration, Chevalier T. Antonius de 
Jonge and Mr. Hermanns J. Coster, jr., representing 
the University of Leyden, arrived the previous after- 
noon by the day boat and were met by a deputation 
of the citizens' reception committee. After dinner 
at the Delavan the distinguished visitors were driven 
through the city to the park, where the concert was 
in progress, and subsequently to the city hall, from 
the balcony of which they witnessed with the mayor 
the procession of secret societies. Subsequently they 
were informally entertained at the Fort Orange club. 
In the morning at nine o'clock about twenty mem- 
bers of the Holland society of New York and fifteen 
members of the Holland society of Albany, decked 
with orange and gold badges, assembled at the mayor's 
office to participate in the formal reception of the 
city's Dutch guests. They reached the city hall in 
carriages accompanied by Gen. Robert Lenox Banks, 
Aid. Hitt and other members of the committee, and 
were escorted into the mayor's room. Dr. Coster 
presented a distinguished presence. 



298 



When the gentlemen in turn had been introduced 
to the mayor by Gen. Banks, Dr. Coster stepped 
forward and read the following address : 

To THE Worshipful Mayor and the Corporation 
OF Albany: 

We the burgomaster and wethouders of The Hague tender 
our hearty greetings on the feast that the city of Albany 
celebrates in honor of the day on which, two hundred years 
ago, she by charter gained the privileges of a city. 

We rejoice at the continually increasing prosperity which 
your city has experienced since that time and wish it a long 
and bright future. 

We greatly appreciate the honor of your patriotic invita- 
tion to participate in your festivities and most wiUing charge 
our fellow citizen, Dr. Timon Henricus Blom Coster, to offer 
personally our congratulations. 

In your invitation you mention Albany was founded by 
Dutchmen, and at the eventful time you celebrate most of 
its inhabitants, many of whom had been born in Holland, 
still adhered to the language and tradition of the Fatherland. 

It fills us with deep gratitude that you acknowledge how 
the character of your ancestors and their principles may 
have contributed to form the foundation on which succeed- 
ing generations have built your grand republic, attributing 
to them the handing down to posterity its greatest blessing — 
independence and freedom. 

This conviction finds in us, like you, emulating our 
common forefathers, hearty and warm sympathy, and draws 
closer the ties of love and veneration which link us to your 
noble republic, whose greatness and prosperity is our most 
cordial wish. 

Patijn Burgomaster, 
E. EvERS, Secretary. 



When he had concluded he presented the mayor 
with the handsomely illuminated original address on 
parchment, the translation of which he had just read. 
He also indicated with his left hand five handsome 
volumes [bound in white vellum of the history of 

299 



Amsterdam, and a large case containing about fifty 
large photographs of The Hague and Amsterdam, 
the mother city. 

When he had conchided, Mayor Thacher stepped 
forward and said : 

Dr. Coster and Gentlemen of the University of 
Leyden : 

As the chief magistrate of this ancient city I bid you a 
hearty welcome. We are not so narrowed by our own 
importance as to be forgetful of our honorable ancestry, and 
your presence with us, clothed as you are with official dignity, 
makes us deeply sensible of the honor which the govern- 
ment of the Netherlands confers upon us. We thank you 
for these valuable and interesting volumes relating to the 
chief city of your country, a city which once christened 
with its own name the chief city of our own land. We 
shall keep these books as very precious things, and their 
possession and the possession of these addresses shall keep 
us in constant memory not only of the courtesy and friendly 
interest of the Netherlands, Amsterdam and the university 
of Leyden, but of the pleasant gift-bearers whom the present 
occasion makes known to us. 

Gentlemen, it needs no token of material form, no offer- 
ing of intrinsic value, no costly remembrance to tell us you 
were thinking of our city and its origin at this hour when 
we are rounding a most important and interesting period in 
our municipal existence. We never think of our own origin, 
but we sing the praises of the Netherlands. We recognize 
in the commercial activity, in the sturdy independence and 
indomitable will of the mother country, those elements of 
character which in the New Netherlands wrought mighty 
works and which have preserved for us and incorporated 
into our national life the pubhc and civic virtues we now 
believe we somewhat possess. Industry, you gave us as an 
inheritance. That love for fairness which demands and 
imparts justice, came to us largely from the Low Countries. 
Liberty and tolerance ran in our veins, mixed with our 
Dutch blood. The tireless, dogged insistence upon free- 
dom, right and truth with which William the Silent, three 
hundred years ago, worked out the independence of the 

300 



Netherlands, preserved these principles for two centuries as 
mighty tools which in the hands of Holland and Dutch 
decendents helped work out the independence of America. 

Gentlemen, in your beautiful city of The Hague in that 
many-sided tower which adorns the greatest of your churches 
are hung thirty-eight bells. These bells ring out over the 
canals and through the linden trees and fall on the ears 
of stranger and traveler within your walls, with pleasant 
melody and friendly greeting. The Ught of this very day 
was ushered into our city with thirty-eight guns. These 
guns were intended to welcome and salute you, but they 
had another and higher significance. They represented the 
thirty- eight states which are strongly interwoven into our 
American Union. It was here, in this Dutch city, that the 
Union was first suggested one hundred and thirty-two years 
ago. Your country gave us many of the tools with which 
in this new world we have builded our present municipal and 
national structures. If we have used these tools well, wisely, 
successfully, let us rejoice together and share in the glory. 

Gentlemen, we feel highly honored that not only the gov- 
ernment of Holland and the municipality of Amsterdam 
should so highly consider us, but that the great University of 
Leyden, which is a century older than our own city, and 
which has given to the world men who have thought out for 
it great thoughts, and who in science, philosophy and litera- 
ture, have opened new paths and smoothed old ways, should 
have likewise so greatly honored us. Again I bid you 
welcome, and in the name of our city desire you to convey 
our thanks and our hearty appreciation of their courtesy 
and good will to the authorities of The Hague, the city of 
Amsterdam and the University of Leyden. 

The envoys bowed low in acknowledgment of the 
mayor's greeting. The mayor again shook hands 
with his guests, who were introduced to the American 
Hollanders present. After a few moments of con- 
versation the party proceeded to the square and 
entered the carriages provided to participate in the 
procession. 



301 



The Civic Day Parade. General Orders. 

Headquarters First Division, ^ 

Civic Day Parade. i 

Albany, July 20, 1886. ) 

Orders No. 2 : 

I. The following are hereby appointed aides on the 
division stafif: Caughnawaga chief, Capt. Charles H. 
Wolston, Frederick C. Baker, Albion Ransom, Jr., 
Harry Simmons, R. V. Stevens, Robert F. Macfarlane, 
C. C. Mackey, W. J. Hall and F. H. Case. They 
will be obeyed and respected accordingly. 

II. Headquarters for Wednesday morning are 
hereby established at corner North Pearl and State 
streets, where the stafif will report, mounted, at 8 : 30 
o'clock sharp, to chief of stafif. 

By order H. B. Anable, Marshal. 

G. James Greene, Chief of Stafif. 

I. Having been appointed marshal of the eighth 
division on civic day parade, July 21, 1886, I hereby 
assume command. 

II. Captain Joseph Fisher is hereby appointed chief 
of stafif. 

III. All parties who have been assigned to the 
above division will, at the earliest moment, notify the 
marshal or chief of stafif, in order that they may be 
assigned a place in line. 

IV. The following are hereby appointed aides to 
the marshal, and will report to the chief of stafif: L. 
B. Combs, A. D. Brink, E. Brumaghim, G. E. Latham, 
F. N. Sisson, Sol Davis and Frank Herrick. 

Frank J. Childs, Marshal. 
Capt. Joseph Fisher, Chief of Stafif. 



302 



The Unconditionals. 

Headquarters Unconditional Club, ^ 

Cor. North Pearl and Steuben Sts., > 

Albany, July, 15, 1886. ) 

Paragraph I. Having been elected marshal of the 
Unconditional Republican club for the Bi-centennial 
civic day parade, I hereby assume command. 

Paragraph II. The members of this club are hereby 
requested to assemble at the club rooms Wednesday, 
July 21, at 8 : 30 A. M. sharp, for parade. Line will 
be formed at nine A. M. 

Paragraph III. Uniform will consist of dark clothes, 
black derby hat, cane, white necktie and white gloves. 

Paragraph IV, The club has been assigned an 
important position in line and it is essential that all 
should report promptly at the hour named. 

By order, OsCAR Smith, Marshal. 

Fire Department. 

Headquarters Albany Fire Department, 1 

Office of Chief Engineer, > 

Albany, July 17, 1886. ) 

The officers, hosemen and laddermen of the depart- 
ment are required to observe the following instruc- 
tions on the occasion of the parade and inspection of 
the department Wednesday, July 21, 1886. The 
uniform to consist of black pants, red shirts, uniform 
hats and belts and white gloves. Every officer, hose- 
man and ladderman is expected to parade ; absentees 
must be reported. At 9 : i 5 A. M. one blow will be 
given upon the engine-house gongs and bell strikers 
as a signal to drivers to attach the horses to the 

o 

303 



apparatus. At 9 : 30 A. M. one blow will be given 
upon the engine-house gongs and bell strikers, as a 
signal to companies to leave their respective houses. 
Foremen of companies are particularly enjoined to 
have their companies on the ground of formation 
promptly. No portion of the apparatus will be per- 
mitted to leave the line in case of an alarm of fire, 
except by special orders to that effect. Foremen of 
companies are hereby directed to report to the chief 
immediately upon their arrival upon the ground of 
formation. No decoration of any description will be 
allowed upon the apparatus. By order of the com- 
missioners. 

James McQuade, Chief Engineer. 

THE parade. 

At 9 : 30 A. M., the bell in the city hall gave notice 
that columns must form immediately. The divisions 
were formed as follows : 

First division — Independent organizations, North 
Pearl street, right on State. 

Second division — Secret societies and floats, South 
Pearl street, right on State. 

Third division — Political clubs, State street, right 
on Pearl. 

Fourth division — Bobbing clubs, James street, 
right on State. 

Fifth division — Visiting firemen, right on State. 

Sixth division — Visiting firemen. Green street, in 
rear of fifth division. 

Seventh division — Albany fire department. South 
Broadway, right on State. 



304 



Eighth division — Trades and floats, North Broad- 
way, right on Clinton avenue. 

FORMATION OF COLUMN. 
The formation of the line was as follows : 
Mounted police ; skirmishers ; Major James O. 
Woodward, grand marshal ; Col. John S. McEwan, 
chief of staff; Maj. Lewis Balch, adjutant of staff; 
Col. Frederick Andes, Col. John S. Robbins, Col. 
Edmund L. Gaul, Col. Jacob C. Cuyler, Maj. Chas. 
H. Stott, jr., Capt. Samuel McKeever, U. S. A., 
Capt. W. E. Milbank, Capt. M. L. Earing, Capt. 
Albert Albers, Lieut. Robert H. Patterson, U. S. A., 
Lieut. A. C. Judson, Elliott Danforth, Edwy L. 
Taylor, Jeremiah Kieley, Edward Perry, George S. 
Gregory, Edward J. Brennan, Albert C. Goodwin, 
Reuben H. Clark, Emil Rosche, John Kinnary, 
George C. Kimball, Fred L. Classen, Justus R. Has- 
well, Geo. W. Stedman, Capt. A. H. Spierre, Maj. 
Henry C. Littlefield, Frank Wright, John C. Conner, 
A. F. Brown, David J. Norton, George W. Smith, 
Benj. Bamer, Indian Chieftain Joseph, Frank W. 
Bounds ; executive committee, civic day, A. McD. 
Shoemaker, chairman ; the Holland society of New 
York, Judge C. Van Voist, chairman ; local com- 
mittee of Holland society, vice-president, Albert 
Vander Veer, chairman ; delegates from Holland. 

FIRST DIVISION. 
Marshal H. B. Anable commanding; G. James 
Green, adjutant, and staff, Capt. Charles H. Wolston, 
Frederick C. Baker, Albion Ransom, jr., Harry Sim- 

305 



mons, R. V. Stevens, Robert F. McFarlane, C. C. 
Mackey, W. J. Hall, F. H. Case. 

Mayor Thacher, ex-Mayor Banks and Dr. Coster, 
the official representative of the Hague, rode in a 
carriage at the head of the first division. 

Twenty-first regiment band of Poughkeepsie ; 
Burgesses corps, as escort to mayor and council 
committee on public celebration, Galen R. Hitt, 
chairman ; common council of the city ; city officials ; 
Bi-centennial committee, who followed in carriages : 
Gen. Robert Lenox Banks, Aldermen Hitt, Norton, 
Fuller, McCann, Greagan, Harris, Donohue, Fleming, 
Klaar ; City Chamberlain, Charles A. Hills ; Common 
Council clerk, Martin Delehanty; Street Commis- 
sioner Russ, Judge Van Vorst of New York, president 
of the Holland society, the Rev. Dr. Ten Eyck of 
New Brunswick, Dr. Albert Vander Veer, the Hon. 
G. Van Nostrand of Nyack, Theodore V. Van Heusen, 
James D. Wynkoop, Andrew Van Santvoord of New 
York, and Mr. Van Schaick of Cobleskill, City 
Surveyor Horace E. Andrews. G. A. Van Allen, 
William M. Van Antwerp, J. Townsend Lansing and 
Matthias Bissikummer, president of the German com- 
mittee ; Frank Froelich, vice-president ; Emmanuel 
Labishiner, secretary; Wm. Grandpre, assistant sec- 
retary; John Zimmerman, treasurer ; Louis Schupp, 
assistant treasurer; Peter Lasch, Fred. Stackman, 
Max Kurth, John Haak, John Rummel, F. Lange, 
Henry Henzel, Charles W. Mueller, Andrew Amend, 
August Wecka, Victor Kennel, John Kurtz, Casper 
Muelick. 

Indians; Scotch band. New York; St. Andrew's 
306 



society ; Caledonian societies in Highland costumes ; 
visiting Scotch societies ; float, Boatman's Relief 
association, ship with sailors ; float, ancient windmill 
and millers ; float, the first locomotive, Delaware & 
Hudson Canal company ; band ; Indians, with escort ; 
German band of Poughkeepsie ; German singing 
societies in regalia ; Eintracht singing society ; float, 
" Mozart ; " Harmonia society ; float ; Caecelia singing 
society, float; Liederkranz singing society, float; 
German societies, with floats ; French societies, with 
floats ; Irish societies, with floats ; visiting divisions, 
United Irishmen of America; other independent 
associations. 

SECOND DIVISION. 

Marshal H. H. Russ, jr., commanding; F. W. 
Sarauw, adjutant, and staff", Howard B. Hacket, Dr. 
R. J. Verplank, James Hacket, A. W. La Rose, J. 
Keenholts, C. P. Roberts ; Germania band of Pitts- 
field, Mass. ; Patriarchs Militant, Uniformed Odd 
Fellows, Canton Nemo, No. i, of Albany; visiting 
Cantons from Troy, Amsterdam and other places ; 
emblematic floats. Friendship, Love, Truth ; band ; 
Ancient Order of United Workmen, Select Knights, 
Scanton Legion, East Albany, in full regalia, Capt. 
Philip Smith, commanding ; visiting Knights, Ancient 
Order of the Iron Hall, emblematic float. Pyramid of 
States, the Order in full regalia ; band ; Knights of 
Pythias, Albany Division, No. 2, V. R. K. of P., in 
the full regalia of the Order ; emblematic float, local 
lodges as escort to float, visiting uniformed divisions, 
visiting lodges. 



307 



THIRD DIVISION. 
Marshal Edward D. Ronan, commanding; W. A. 
Wallace, adjutant, and staff. J. L. Ten Eyck, John 
Burning, Fred. E. Wadhams, Dr. VV. J. Nellis, Lewis 
W.Pratt; band; Unconditional club; Toohey asso- 
ciation ; athletes in carriages ; Sons of Veterans ; Lan- 
singburgh post, C. H. Nason commander ; A. B. Uline 
association ; Catholic Benevolent legion ; Ancient 
Order of Hibernians ; local and visiting divisions ; 
Burdette-Coutts association ; social and other organi- 
zations ; floats. 

FOURTH DIVISION. 

Marshal Fred Ewing commanding; Charles H. 
Clapper adjutant, and staff, Edward Ewing, A. B. 
Kiernan, J. H. Mulligan and others ; City band of 
Plattsburgh ; bobbing associations in uniform, with 
decorated bobs ; Brooklyn Bridge club ; Dasha- 
way club, '84; May Blossom club; Jolly Eight 
club ; O'Donovan Rossa club ; Monitor, Deerfoot, 
Avalanche, Minnie S., Laura C. clubs. Visiting snow 
shoe clubs; visiting bobbing clubs in uniform with 
decorated bobs. 

FIFTH DIVISION. 
Visiting firemen. Assistant Engineer J. C. Griffin 
commanding ; Maschke's band, of Troy ; Arba Read 
steamer company, of Troy ; Eddy steamer company, 
of Troy ; Volunteer steamer company, of Troy ; 
Wilber hose company, of Oneonta, N. Y., with hose 
carriage ; steamer company, Oneonta, N. Y. ; Sand- 
lake band : J. N. Ring steamer company, of Green- 
bush, steamer and hose carriage ; band of Rutland ; 

308 



Reynolds hose drill company, of Rutland, Vt. ; drum 
corps ; Van Vranken hose company, of Schenectady, 
with hose carriage ; McCreary hose drill company, 
of Cohoes, N. Y. 

SIXTH DIVISION. 
Visiting firemen, Assistant Engineer George E. 
Mink commanding; band of New York; Mazeppa 
hose company, of New York, with ancient hose 
carriage ; Patrick Gibney, foreman of old engine 
No. 25 ; Isaac Bush, assistant foreman of old hose 
No. 13 ; Brooklyn volunteer firemen, with ancient 
cart ; Mechanics' hook and ladder company, Glovers- 
ville, N. Y., with truck; Glasshouse band; C. A. 
Bailly hook and ladder company No. i, Bath- 
on-Hudson, T. A. Carpenter, foreman, with truck; 
drum corps ; Niagara engine company, of Schoharie, 
with carriage; steamer company No. i, of Hudson; 
hose company of Whitehall. 

SEVENTH DIVISION. 
Board of fire commissioners of the city of Albany 
in carriages ; clerk of department and superintendent 
of fire alarm telegraph. First subdivision : Tenth 
Regiment band ; Chief of Department McQuade 
and assistants; steamer company No. i, S. V. B. 
Swann, foreman; steamer company No. 2, George 
S. Tice, foreman; truck company No. i, B. M. 
Fredendal, foreman; steamer company No. 3, John 
J. Hughes, foreman ; float containing an old engine 
of Philadelphia, 1748; steamer No. i and hose 
carriage; steamer No. 2 and hose carriage; truck 

309 



No. I ; steamer No. 3 and hose carriage ; reserve 
steamer and hose carriage. Second subdivision : 
Steamer company No. 4, Charles E. Marshall, fore- 
man ; steamer company No. 5, E. J. Keating, fore- 
man ; steamer company No. 6, John A. Burns, fore- 
man ; steamer company No. 7, M. C. Clark, foreman ; 
steamer company No. 8, W. J. Smith, foreman ; 
steamer No. 4 and hose carriage ; steamer No. 5 and 
hose carriage ; truck No. 2 ; steamer No. 6 and hose 
carriage ; steamer No. 7 and hose carriage ; steamer 
No. 8 and hose carriage; the " Geyser" water tower. 

EIGHTH DIVISION. 

Tradesmen with their wagons and floats, Marshal 
Frank J. Childs commanding ; Captain Joseph Fisher, 
adjutant, and staff, L. B. Comb, A. D. Brink, Eugene 
Brumaghim, G. E. Latham, F. N. Sisson, Sol. Davis 
and Frank Herrick. 

CLOSING THE REGATTA. 

The rain threatened for a time about noon, to 
interfere with the events of the day, but at about 
I : 30 o'clock the clouds broke away and the sun 
came out. Governor Hill attended, accompanied by 
several friends. 

THE DOUBLE SCULLS. 
The first event on the card was for double sculls, 
these crews being entered with positions in the order 
named: i. C. Hopkins, bow, H. A. Viets, stroke. 
Laureates of Troy; 2. Thomas H. and M. F. Mona- 
han, Albany rowing club; 3. J. F. Gumming, D. J. 

310 



Murphy, Crescents of Boston ; 4, John F. Korf, W. 
Weinaud, Delawares of Chicago. 

All four got away to an even start, the Monahans 
cutting out the pace and taking the lead, with the 
Chicago men second, Laureates third and Crescents 
last. This order was maintained for a mile, when the 
Monahans and Chicago men took the race to them- 
selves and fought it out toward the east shore, the 
other doubles hugging the west shore. Entering on 
the last half the Delawares passed to the front, and, 
notwithstanding the Monahans made a gallant effort, 
won in 9: i8j, the Monahans being second in 9: 19. 

The second event was the first trial heat of pair- 
oars. The starters and positions were: i. E. C. 
Stewart, bow, W. W, Smith, stern, Atlantas of New 
York; 2. George D. Phillips, M. T. Hard, New York 
Athletics; 3. F. Freeman, J. Weldon, Eurekas, 
Newark, N. J. 

The Eurekas took the lead from the word " go," 
and pulling out a length to the goal maintained their 
lead entirely throughout, winning by three open 
lengths in 10: 30. The Atlantas quit at the end of 
the first quarter. 

The second heat of pair-oars brought out these 
scullers : i . J. H. Clegg and F. B. Standish of the 
Excelsiors, Detroit; 2. C. Lee Andrews and J. C. 
Livingston of the New York Athletic club ; 3. Robert 
McCann and William S. Mosely of the Mutuals of 
Albany. 

The New York pair took the lead, the Mutuals pair 
second and the Excelsiors third. These positions were 
unchanged to the first quarter, when the Mutuals drop- 

311 



ped to the rear and continued there to the last quarter, 
when the Excelsiors took the lead. At this point 
the New Yorks pulled out of their course toward the 
west shore, allowing the Mutuals to take second place. 
The Excelsiors, continuing on, won the race by six 
lengths in 9: 57, the Mutuals time being 10: i8|. 
The cause of the New Yorks puUing out of the race, 
became evident when the shell neared the west shore, 
and C. Lee Andrews, the bow oar, fainted. He was 
assisted out and carried into the pavilion, where medi- 
cal aid was summoned. 

Next was the final heat of junior singles in which 
the winners of the four trial heats on Tuesday com- 
peted. They were: i. H. Rowland of the Cornell 
University navy ; 2. John F. Daily of the Bradfords, 
Boston ; 3. F. G. McDougall, of the New York Ath- 
letics ; 4. M. T. Quigley of the Institutes, Newark. 

McDougall got away with a slight advantage at the 
start, but was soon overhauled by Rowland, the 
others being close up. After an exciting finish 
Rowland won in 10: 08, Quigley's time being 10: 09^ 
and McDougall's 10: 25. There were but two com- 
petitors in the junior four-oared. J. E. Knox, Rarry 
Pierce, F. R. Thompson and Joseph Wright of the 
Torontos and Romer L. Brayton, John J. Travis, 
Dominick Fitzpatrick, jr., and John J. Moran of the 
Albany rowing club. The Canadians won easily in 
8 : 30, the Albany's time being 8 : 38. 

THE BATTLE OF THE SENIORS. 
The sixth event of the day, the final heat of senior 
singles, was the most interesting and exciting of the 

312 



day. It brought together Mulcahy, Monahan and 
Nowlan of Albany, J. F. Corbett of the Farraguts of 
Chicago and J. J. Donohue of the Nautilus of Hamil- 
ton, Ontario. Corbett had the inside position, with 
the others in this order : Nowlan, Mulcahy, M. F. 
Monahan and Donohue. Mulcahy was quickest in 
getting away, with Nowlan second, Donohue third, 
Corbett fourth and Monahan last. At the mile 
Donohue still led with Corbett second, when Mona- 
han put forth his reserve and came down the last half 
mile like a race horse, passing Donohue and Corbett 
with ease, and winning by a half dozen lengths in 
9:33, Corbett second in 9:47, Mulcahy third in 
10:08, Donohue fourth in 10: 49 and Nowlan last in 
11:14^. This victory made Monahan the senior 
champion of American amateurs. 

THE FINAL EVENT. 
In the first heat of pairs the Eurekas of Newark 
won easily from the Excelsiors of Detroit in 9: 33|, 
the latter's time being 9:56. The Fairmounts of 
Philadelphia, Columbias of Washington and Concords 
of Boston competed in the eight-oared race. The 
Fairmounts who had the inside course led from start 
to finish, with the Concords second, and won in 8 : 49, 
the Concord's time being 9: 03^, and the Columbias 
9 : 20^. The prizes were presented to the successful 
oarsmen in the common council chamber in the eve- 
ning, the presentation address being made by Hon. 
Francis H. Woods. 



313 



The Pageant. 

Headquarters of the Historical Pageant 

July 21, 1886. 

General Orders : 

I. The following are announced as additional aides 
to the chief marshal: Captain Edgar V. Denison 
and Lieutenants James M. Ruso, L. H. Washburn 
and Russell Lyman. They will be obeyed and re- 
spected accordingly. 

n. All police arrangements will receive the per- 
sonal attention of Chief of Police Willard and the 
captains of the several precincts. 

III. In accordance with a proclamation issued by 
His Honor Mayor John B. Thacher, all fireworks or 
explosives of any character along the line of march 
are strictly prohibited and offenders will be dealt with 
according to the letter of the law. 

IV. The Tenth regiment band and the Albany city 
band, consolidated, are hereby assigned to the right 
of the line and the Twenty-first regiment band to the 
right of the third division. They will report to the 
chief of staff at eight o'clock sharp at the pageant 
building. 

V. The staff will report, mounted, at 7 : 45 P. M. 
sharp, at the northeast entrance of Washington park, 
and proceed thence to the pageant building. Uni- 
form, white helmet with spike, blue blouse and white 
gloves, 

VI. All figurantes must be costumed and ready to 
report for duty at their several headquarters at 7 : 30 
P. M. 

VII. The parade will start at 8 : 30 P. M. sharp, over 



314 



the following route: Washington avenue to Lark, 
Lark to State, State to Eagle, Eagle to Washington 
avenue (where it will be reviewed at the reviewing 
stand by His Excellency Governor David B. Hill 
and staff, and His Honor, Mayor John B. Thacher), 
Washington avenue to Knox, Knox to State, State to 
Willett, Willett to Hudson avenue, Hudson avenue to 
Pearl, Pearl to Clinton avenue, Clinton avenue to 
Lark, where it will be reviewed by the grand marshal 
and staff and dismissed. 

VHL The formation of the column will be as fol- 
lows : 

Platoon of Police, Tenth regiment and Albany City 
bands consolidated ; Grand Marshal and staff. 

FIRST DIVISION. 
Major H. L. Washburn, commanding, and aides; 
Float No. I, Emblem; Float No. 2, Discovery; Float 
No. 3, The Northmen; Float No. 4, Landing of 
Columbus. 

SECOND DIVISION. 
Capt. Wm. E. Milbank, commanding, and aides ; 
Float No. 5, Fort Orange; Float No. 6, First Land 
Purchasers ; Float No. 7, Dutch Legends ; Float No. 
8, The King's Charter. 

THIRD DIVISION. 
Twenty-first Regiment band ; Capt. Harry C. Cush- 
man, commanding, and aides; Float No. 9, The 
Dongan Charter; Float No. 10, A Home Scene; 
Float ). II, Schenectady Massacre; Float No. 12, 
Surrender of Burgoyne. 

315 



FOURTH DIVISION. 
Capt. Wm. M. Whitney, jr., commanding, and 
aides; Float No. 13, Attack on Schuyler Mansion; 
Float No. 14, Wedding Scene, Van Rensselaer Schuy- 
ler; Float No. 15, Erie Canal completed; Float No. 
16, Past, Present, Future. 

IX. Commandants of Divisions will see that the 
following distances are maintained : Between divis- 
ions one hundred and twenty-five feet and between 
floats ninety feet. 

X. Commandant of police is especially charged 
with seeing that no advertising or other decorated 
wagon is permitted within one block of the last float. 

By command of 

Lieut. James H. Manning, Grand Marshal. 
Capt. Henry B. Diamond, Chief of Stafl". 

In the gathering twilight the army of sightseers 
began to mass its squadrons in front of the high stock- 
ade enclosing Col. De Leon's factory and thousands 
poured in from all quarters until one solid mass filled 
Washington avenue and Lark street at all points 
commanding a view of the structure. Within the 
stockade all was darkness and silence, while the 
garrison of workmen made final preparations for 
moving. As soon as the preliminaries were com- 
pleted a breach was made in the high wooden wall 
and the advance guard of spectators gazed upon a 
chaos of shapeless masses dimly outlined within the 
dark enclosure. This first movement stimulated the 
excitement in the rear portions of the mass, which 
attempted to force its way to the scene of action and 

316 



taxed the muscles and patience of the Httle band of 
picked officers to hold it in check, 

ARRANGING THE PAGEANT. 

Once started, the grorgeous fabrics emerged from 
their birthplace in a steady stream until all were in 
position, the first at the corner of State and Lark 
streets and the last in front of the stockade. Directly 
the floats had taken positions the work of spacing 
and illuminating the gorgeous spectacle began. Mar- 
shal Manning, through the agency of Chief of Staff 
Henry B. Diamond, distributed his aides along the 
line and enlarged it until the prescribed ninety feet 
intervened between each float. The marshal wore a 
helmet with a flowing plume, and the staff the Na- 
tional guard regulation helmet and blouses. The 
assistant marshals were : 

Capt. H. L. Washburn, Dr. W. E. Milbank, Capt. 
Harry C. Cushman, Wm. M. Whitney, Jr., and the 
aides : Eugene Brumaghim, Lawrence J. Prince, G. 
Edward Graham, Dr. Maurice J. Lewi, Fred C. Ham, 
J. Howard Browne, Robert G. Scherer, William H. 
McNaughton, Peter A. Stephens, Fred L. Mix, Finley 
S. Hayes, James M. Ruso, T. C. DeLeon, Russell 
Lyman, L. H. Washburn, Charles R. Carroll, Capt. 
Edgar V. Denison, J. W. Cox, jr., Buel C. Andrews, 
Howard Paddock, Dr. Wm. Hailes, Fred W. Wad- 
hams, Walter D. Frothingham, Edward R. Perry. 

THE START. 
After half an hour's steady work the pageant was 
ready to move. Every torch-bearer was in position 



317 



and every one of the illuminators, with haversack well 
filled with red fire, was at his post. The figurantes 
were all picturesquely grouped and the order for 
moving was passed. As the line moved down State 
street the spectacle presented was singularly beauti- 
ful. To the spectators standing in the middle of the 
street directly in the line of march the approaching 
column appeared shrouded in a crimson halo. The 
handsomely-uniformed staff upon their high-stepping 
horses appeared in strong relief upon a blood-red 
background, while looming up amid the volumes of 
radiant smoke the floats appeared like visions from 
fairyland. The smoke from the red fire, fading to a 
faint pink as it rose, capped the most splendid spec- 
tacle ever seen in the Northern States. 

As the great pageant approached and passed in 
review it presented these pictures : 

The Emblem: The first float was indeed introduc- 
tory. The idea of city government was symbolized 
by the representation of Albany's civic shield. From 
a base showing the national colors, rises on each side 
a trophy representing the national shield, surmounted 
by every flag that has found a home in Albany. In 
front and in rear are shields bearing the arms of the 
State of New York. The familiar farmer and the In- 
dian appear in stately posture with faces looking in 
opposite directions, while over the civic shield floats 
a sloop. This Indian is sitting upon a huge rock, 
bow in hand. The farmer has in his hand a sickle. 
The shield is gold embossed, and from its upper 
background of silver appear the busy beaver and his 
tree. The golden wheat sheaves loomed up beauti- 

318 



fully in their rich green background, and the entire 
tableaux was a fitting and successful introduction. 

Spirit of Discovery: This second float was an 
inspiration ; a glittering dream. From the sea, im- 
mense and boundless upon a gigantic wave, lightly 
floats a broad bejeweled shell : and standing central 
in this is a female representing the genius of discov- 
ery, her brilliant eyes gazing intently into space, and 
her erect form betokening that determination which 
sees no impossibilities. In her right hand is a sextant, 
and about her dash silvery foam and golden shafts of 
light. Her glittering diadem typifies success, and 
beside her are two waiting sisters, beautiful attend- 
ants. Dolphins sport before the shallop, and the 
floating debris indicates land to leeward. 

The Northmen : The element of time now arrives 
and the hardy Northmen of nearly nine centuries ago 
appear. Their war vessel is massive, the mast clumsy, 
the waters icy, and the sea dreary. Sword in hand, 
at the bow stands Lief, son of King Erie, a picture of 
stern purpose and physical power, gray bearded, 
peering into the dim distance. Heavy, sinewy men 
row hard, as did their fellows who came to Newport 
and left their mural monuments. The rowers are 
picturesquely clad in skins trimmed with gold, and 
their arms remind one of Roman conquest. Bare- 
armed, brown-visaged and with flowing locks, they 
are a hardy and strangely interesting crew. 

Landing of Columbus : The graceful foliage of 
palm trees, green and golden, illumined in the lurid 

319 



light, catches the eye. Behind them stealthy, inquisi- 
tive, half-fearful Indians lurk and peer to watch the 
group in front. Beside them a tropical, long-necked 
flamingo and immense gray crane set off the adorn- 
ings. But in front the interest centres upon the 
sea-beach, where rest two sailors, while on the land 
he has just claimed, stands Columbus, in full court 
dress, bare-headed, sword in hand, and staff of flag 
planted, while near by a priest rises to bless the cross. 
The representation is gorgeous, delights the eye and 
reminds one of the historic truth in elaborate detail. 

Fort Orange in 1624: The massive gates of the 
fort are open and towering high in air ; the loopholes 
show where muskets do deadly defensive service ; 
Dutchmen with blouse and breeches stand in front, 
while one of their number barters for furs with an 
Indian. The lace-trimmed collars and cuffs of the 
Dutchmen are a striking contrast to the feathers and 
blanket of the Indian chief. The fort has a massive 
appearance, and vines climb about the base of the 
rough walls. A birch bark canoe rests upon the bank 
and in it an Indian takes his ease watching the scene. 

The first Land Purchases : This represents a 
winter scene in 1 630. Bales of merchandise are placed 
in front of a peaked skin tent, while the aspect of winter 
touches every feature of the scene. Smoke from the 
wigwam, a squaw before the fire, icicles from the trees, 
the chief blanketed and feather-crowned, all speak of 
cold weather. Van Curler, the first patroon, two 
Dutchmen and another Indian, armed, complete the 
scene. The illuminated effect is magnificent. 



320 



Dutch Legends : This unique float shows a vivid 
scene in the Catskills. Irving's legend of the bowl- 
ing scene is grimly represented with the Demon of 
the mountain high perched. In the foreground grim 
mariners and the white-bearded chief are engaged in 
the game, while ever and anon the thunder rolls and 
lightning flashes. The bowls are rolled toward a dark 
corner, from whose awful depths the agitated waves 
give back a sound " hollow and dismal as the sullen 
roar of the volcano's depths." 

The King's Charter : This is a high court scene 
occuring in the palace of Charles II. From the rear 
a gorgeous canopy covers the throne and steps on 
either side, Charles II, with plumed hat, seated on the 
throne. British lions, life size and gilded, guard the 
way, waving tapestry and glittering gold and crimson 
foil give warmth against the cold marble and onyx 
pedestals from which rise golden candlesticks with 
rainbow-tipped pendants. Standing guard are royal 
soldiers with battle axes, while the central figure is 
James, Duke of York and Albany, in woven steel 
armor. His head is bared, his sword is two-handed, 
and behind him his squire bears his helmet. The 
bishop of York, standing near, sanctions the grant. 
Pages in court costume are moving about. 

The Dongan Charter : This float did not afford 
the designers opportunity for much display if they 
were to represent truthfully the history of the occa- 
sion. The British headquarters are plain in contrast 
with the preceding gorgeous scene. The old Dutch 
unused fireplace forms a background. The British 



321 



shield is seen. By the fireplace stands Livingston. 
Governor Dongan stands by the centre table dressed 
as an English cavalier, and Peter Schuyler receives 
from him the charter ; Schuyler is in uniform as col- 
onel. Two Dutch settlers are complacently viewing 
the scene, little mindful of the nineteenth century 
aspects to be developed. 

The Home Scene : This is located in old Albany 
in 1686. The float is quaint in design. The rail 
fence of the door-yard, the grass plot, the cobble 
pave, the Indian on a stump talking with a Dutch 
settler, the quaint house with peaked gable and 
weathercock, the porch with housewife and husband, 
the foliage of the trees, the on-looking dog, all lend 
a vivid reality to the scene. 

The Massacre at Schenectady : The terror of 
this scene of 1 690 is sufficient to paralyze the small boy 
and frighten timid maidens. In midwinter a hideous 
warrior binds an awakening settler arising from his 
bed, a father lies killed on his threshold, a mother 
and babe are at the mercy of a blood-thirsty Indian, 
and crowning the work of destruction flames are seen 
bursting from the windows and cabin in lurid mag- 
nificence as the spectacle passes by. 

Surrender of Burgoyne: The first thing seen 
upon this float is cannon. Then Continental soldiers 
are noticed, ensigns and color guards are seen. The 
detail of accoutrement and costume are faithfully 
observed. The officer's horse upon the float was a 
much admired adjunct. 

322 



The Attack on the Schuyler Mansion : This 
scene was powerfully impressive. The form of Mar- 
garet Schuyler half way up the stairway escaping with 
the sleeping babe is a striking picture. Burly yet foiled 
Indians are seen dodging about the dark hallway and 
one has thrown his tomahawk at the escaping woman, 
which, glancing from its mark has landed, stuck in 
the handrail at her side. The courage and endurance 
of American women are here nobly set forth in con- 
trast to the despicable methods of their British 
opponents and red-faced allies. 

The Wedding Scene of 1783 : This is a fine pen- 
dant to the preceding float and shows a garden party 
at the Schuyler mansion, and presents varying and 
notable features. The last patroon stands with his 
bride, the Margaret of the preceding float. Near by 
are Alexander Hamilton and wife. Not far away is 
Gen. Philip Schuyler, in full dress ; but probably the 
most interesting feature is the carved fountain whose 
wonderful waters are constantly playing in rainbow 
colors. 

The Erie Canal : This float represents a canal lock 
with the boat Seneca Chief just coming down stream 
drawn by a magnificent bay. Upon the bow stand 
Governor Clinton, Governor Yates and others. Over 
the rainbow, prophetic of promise, which spanned 
the water, sat the genius of Commerce bearing a 
golden urn. The whole scene was a fitting commem- 
oration of the opening of the canal in 1825. 

Past, Present, Future : The last float was a bank 
of clouds, soft and radiant. A dazzling sun revolves 

323 



with glittering rays and flashing speed, and the sea 
beneath catches the reflection, and from crested bil- 
low to foam-capped wavelet it reflects the moving 
and evanescent glory of the shimmering scene. The 
river banks at sunset are seen, upon the river the 
steamboat palace of to-day rides in resplendent 
beauty, and upon shore an engine and train of cars 
arrive. The Clermont paddles in the dim distance. 
In the cloudy dimness rests the graybeard Time and 
his scythe. And high above is youthful Albany 
symbolized in youth, strength and vigor. 

THE MYSTERY OF MOMUS. 
At midnight a ghostly procession emerged from 
beneath the Columbia street bridge, bearing a sombre 
coffin in their midst, and a banner with the inscription 
" Mystic Order of Momus," surmounted by a skull and 
cross-bones. The leader of the procession wore white 
robes and a black mask and had a deep sepulchral 
voice. The others wore black robes and masks 
The weird column moved down Broadway, up State, 
over Capitol place, and down Washington avenue to 
the roped inclosure, where, in the glare of the electric 
lights and in full view of the assembled thousands, 
the mystic services of the order were performed. An 
invocation to the elements was first in order, as the 
ghostly crowd circled about the coffin. 

THE HIGH priest's ADDRESS. 

Then the most wonderful high priest of the Mystic 
Order of Momus (H. C. Staats) delivered this address : 

Brethren of the Order: We are now assembled 
about the inanimate form of the departed. Before us lies 
the record of the past two hundred years of our native city. 

324 



It is customary, upon an occasion of this nature, to eulogize 
the character of the deceased, to pass hghtly over his many 
errors, and to dwell at length upon his virtues. But our day 
is of too high and solemn a character to permit us to do 
aught, save proceed with the strictest regard to truth and 
justice. Two hundred years ago to-day, the morning sun- 
light, as it flashed upon the old Dutch roofs and pavements, 
and was again reflected back into the soft summer sky, 
carried with it the news that Albany oflicially assumed the 
rank to which her wealth, populace and situation entitled 
her. But few of the old roofs remain to greet this anniver- 
sary, although many of the pavements are still here. These, 
added to the number of hills which ornament our beloved 
city, combine to furnish a greater amount of exercise for 
the distance traveled, than any modern city in the Union, 
This is a great point, and all our old Fogies are proud of it. 
We also point with pride to the fact that few towns could 
ever have attained the greatness of Albany, and still have 
managed to retain so large a number of its primitive ways 
as we have done. We feel assured that no other city of the 
same magnitude, so closely resembles a country village, as 
to tolerate the gossip, the slander, and the miserable, small 
meannesses, which the dear departed delighted in. And, as 
we reflect upon these, and kindred facts, and gaze upon our 
casket of virtues, our breasts throb with mingled pride and 
grief, — utterance fails us, and our silent tears alone, mark 
our loss. But, my brethren, while we mourn our dead, it is 
but meet that we temper our grief with tender reminiscences 
of the past. Dear Old Fogies ! Old Antideluvians, whose 
lumbering, tortoise-like pace has held us back in the race of 
progress for so many years ! Is it, indeed, true that we are 
to part from you forever ? That you are about to vanish 
from our gaze in a cloud of flames and smoke, even like the 
obstacles which you were so wont to strew in our pathway. 
And, as the flames ascend skyward, and the glowing sparks 
are all borne upward on the bosom of the billowy vapors, 
will we perchance view your disembodied spirits ? Perhaps, 
my brethren, we will even be able to recognize some of 
them. Oh, what joy to be able to point out the patriotic soul 
of him who spoke the immortal words, " I see no necessity for 
commemorating our Two Hundredth Birthday." What bhss 
to distinguish, 'midst the curhng smoke, the shining immor- 
tality of that ancient relic who remarked, " Yes, by all 

325 



means, let us have a celebration. I see opportunities for 
earning much by it, but I can't afford to give anything." 
Or even to view the mis-shapen, deformed vital spark that 
animated the man of wealth, who subscribed $5.00. But 
oh, my brethren ! while the past centuries are slipping 
onward toward the brink of eternity, let us pause in our 
lamentations. I offer you, in your great grief, words of 
comfort and of joy. There is yet a future ahead — a future 
before which the history of the past will sink into oblivion — 
a future in which the years to come shall retrieve the errors 
of those that are gone. Let us, then, exchange tears for 
the dead and smiles for the living, while we congratulate 
ourselves that there is among us an element batthng nobly 
for prosperity. The seed is sown, and it needs but time to 
bring forth the harvest, and " by their fruits shall we know 
them." Then, brethren, when the " ancients " awake to find 
themselves the " Rip Van Winkles " of modem times, and 
realize that their sun is set, and they must " move on," then 
will Albany rise to the dignity which it deserves, and on our 
next centennial anniversary may the half-civilized Trojan, as 
he hangs over the fence which marks the boundary between 
ancient Troy and the rest of Albany, exclaim, as he gazes 
seriously upon our fair proportions, " This is indeed a city." 
Amen. 

As the address drew near a conclusion, the torch 
was applied to the tarred lid of the coffin and in an 
instant the flames leaped high in air, and the mystic 
brethren, burning blue lights, joined in a ghostly 
dance about the burning pyre. The banner was 
thrust in and added fresh fuel to the flames, and 
finally the high priest kicked over the pyre, and amid 
an uproar that was deafening the mystic crew 
re-formed, marched out of the inclosure down Pine 
street to Lodge, over Lodge and up Maiden lane to 
Russell's stable, where robes and masks were removed 
and they were recognized as common mortals after all. 
They were : 

Officers— H. C. Staats, M. W. H. P. ; T. E. Burn- 

326 



ham, W. H. P. ; H. W. Robbins, H. P. ; A. A. Allen, 
A. H. P. ; J. F. Umpleby, jr., secretary; C. B. Staats, 
treasurer; Horace Hogle, warden; H, G. Stevens, 
marshal ; Frank Winnie, first assistant marshal ; W. 

E. Bortle, second assistant marshal ; B. F. Waite, H. 
S.; A. Harding, A. H. S. ; J. A. Selkirk, I. G. ; E. 
L. M. Robbins, C. R. B. ; R. G. Bingham, A. R. B. ; 
I. H. Meroth, R. B. 

Members — J. A. Daniels, H. B. Winne, D. M. 
Alexander, G. H. Sharp, W. J. Hall, J. W. Ten Eyck, 
G. P. Bingham, W. J. S. Killicorn, A. H. Rennie, L. 
J. Barhydt, C. Strevel, J. A. Howe, jr., F. W. Hem- 
ming, W. M. Crehan, W. L. Becker, H, Simmons, G. 

F. Whysley, H. D. Buck, A. E. Bachelder, C. A. 
Eversten, G. E. Uline, H. P. Williamson, J. Long, G. 
J. Green, D. M. Kinnear, J. M. Holler, B. F. Haight, 

D. W. Bugle, W. H. Branion, J. Q. Van Alstyne, E. 

E. Wygant, J. F. Kennedy, W. F. Clark, C. W. 
Brown, D. H. Johnson, C. J. Sohni, D. M. Watkins, 
J. G. Agar, D. E. B. Fales, J. D. Rockefeller, C. G. 
Hubbell, G. H. Parker, W. W. Mink, A. K. Sang- 
master. 



THURSDAY, JULY 22ND. 
Bi-Centennial Day. 

Sunrise. — Salute of two hundred guns — fifty from 
four different points. 

Morning. — Grand parade of local and visiting mili- 
tary organizations and Grand Army posts, acting as 
escort to President Cleveland, to Governor David B. 



327 



Hill, Orator of the Day; William H. McElroy, Poet, 
and to distinguished guests, among whom are Mem- 
bers of the cabinet. Governors of the States, mem- 
bers of Congress, mayors of the leading cities, and 
others. 

Afternoon. — Oration, poem and addresses com- 
memorative of the Two Hundredth Anniversary. 
The literary exercises interspersed with orchestral and 
choral music on a grand scale. 

Evening. — Municipal reception in Senate chamber, 
State Capitol, to President Cleveland and cabinet, 
Federal and State officials, and other invited guests. 
After the reception, grand display of fire-works in 
Washington park. 

The Military Parade, 
general orders. 

Headquarters Bi-Centenial ^ 
Military Day Parade. > 
Albany, July 15, 1886. ) 
General Orders No. i : 

I. Having been elected marshal of the day, I do 
hereby assume command and appoint Col. Alexander 
Strain adjutant and chief of staff. 

n. The following officers are assigned as division 
marshals : 

First division, Brig.-Gen. Robert Shaw Oliver, Na- 
tional Guard. 

Second division, Maj. George H. Treadwell, Grand 
Army. 

Third division, Capt. Thomas W. Cantwell, inde- 
pendent military organizations. 

328 



Fourth division, Maj. Edward D. Ronan, escort 
division. 

III. The following are appointed assistant mar- 
shals and aids-de-camp : Col, Theodore E. Weiders- 
heim, Maj. John Newman, Maj. Hiram L. Wash- 
burn, jr., Capts. James H. Manning, John Palmer, 
Henry B. Diamond, Joseph Fisher, Wm. E. Milbank, 
Benj. R. Spellman, jr., Frank Childs, G. Henry Secor, 
George H. Mackey, Simeon Lodewick, John B. Mil- 
ler, Lewis H. Smith, Lieuts. James McNaughton, 
Wm. M. Whitney, jr., Amasa J. Parker, 3d, Alexan- 
der Strain, jr., William Wallace, Peyton F. Miller, 
John W. McKnight, James Purcell, Kyran Cleary, 
George Story, Isaac Hungerford. 

IV. The above named officers will be obeyed and 
respected accordingly. 

Amasa J. Parker, Jr., 
Marshal of the Day. 
Alexander Strain, 

Adjutant and Chief of Staff. 

FORMATION AND ROUTE. 

First division, Brig.-Gen. Robert S. Oliver, will 
form on North Pearl street, right resting on Steuben. 
Second division, Maj. Geo. H. Treadwell, will form on 
Broadway, right resting on Steuben. Third division, 
Capt. Thos. W. Cantwell, will form on South Broad- 
way, right resting on State. Fourth division, Maj. 
Edward D. Ronan, will form on Eagle, right resting 
on State. 

Route — State to Eagle, to Washington avenue, to 
Lark, to Clinton avenue, to North Pearl, to Columbia, 

329 



to Broadway, to State, to South Pearl, to Hudson 
avenue, to Dove, to State street. 

Parade will be dismissed corner State and Eagle 
streets, after the fourth division has passed in review 
of the first, second and third divisions on State 
street. At conclusion of the parade, the staff, with 
the Troy Citizens' Corps and band, will proceed to the 
Delavan House, and escort the Senate and Assembly 
and all ex-senators and assemblymen to the tent in 
Capitol park. 

The heavy bass of two hundred cannon sang in 
continuous strain that morning to greet the sunrise of 
Bi-centennial Day. Tenor and soprano of horn, 
pistol, cheer and fire-cracker, long before daybreak 
had made sleep well nigh impossible and the heavy 
tone of the guns roused half-awake Albany, or at least 
that portion of its inhabitants that had secured any 
sleep at all, to participate in the exercises of the clos- 
ing day. Down town the shrill notes of the fife and 
the rataplan of the drum betokened the early arrival 
of the visiting military companies. The sun was not 
high in the sky when the red line of the Burgesses 
corps was drawn up to receive President Cleveland 
and party at the railway station. The pomp and 
circumstance of war had been reserved for the last 
day. The soldiers were to surround with evidences 
of power and perpetuity the end of the celebration. 
Two hundred guns then hailed the dawn ; men pano- 
plied in all the might of arms tramped the street and 
with them those to whom war had once been a stern 
reality. With this display of might, honored by the 
presence of the chief magistrate of the nation and of 

330 



the representatives of Holland, whence Albany drew 
its first strong blood, praised in eloquent words by the 
Governor of the first State of the Union of which she 
has long been the capital city, and sung by the poet, 
Albany celebrated the day, marking the completion 
of its two centuries of municipal life. By ten o'clock, 
all the troops were in position ready to move and the 
leading thoroughfares were so thronged that passage 
through them was almost impossible. The four 
mounted police riding ahead of the column were able 
to clear the pavements only with great difficulty. 

The First Division. 

The Pearl street sidewalks from State to Steuben 
streets were fenced in with heavy ropes, and the 
crowd kept back of them by a liberal cordon of 
policemen. Brig.-Gen. Robert Shaw Oliver com- 
manded the First division and formed it in the space 
named. He was ably assisted by these staff offi- 
cers, Capt. Harry C. Cushman, A. A. A. G. ; Maj. 
Samuel G. Ward, Maj. Jacob H. Tremper, Maj. 
Albert Hoysradt, Maj. Henry A. Allen, Maj. Richard 
T. Lockley, Maj. James O. Woodward, Maj. Harmon 
P. Read, Maj. Robert L. Banks, jr., Capt. Guy E. 
Baker. 

The division was composed of the various com- 
panies and the battalion of the Fifth brigade and was 
divided in two regiments and a provisional battalion. 

The First regiment, in command of Lieut.-Col. 
William E. Fitch, was headed by the Tenth regiment 
band and composed as follows : Tenth battalion drum 
corps, twenty men; Company B, Tenth battalion, 

331 



Lieut. A. K. Sangmaster, commanding, one officer and 
forty-eight men ; Company C, Tenth battalion (color 
company), Capt. James L. Hyatt, commanding, one 
officer and forty men ; Company A, Tenth battalion, 
Capt. Albert J. Wing, commanding, one officer and 
forty-three men ; Company D, Tenth battalion, Capt. 
Edgar V. Denison, commanding, one officer and 
forty-five men ; Twelfth separate company of Troy, 
Capt. Joseph Egolf, commanding, one officer and 
sixty-eight men ; Twenty-first separate company of 
Troy, Capt. Samuel Foster, commanding, two officers 
and sixty-three men ; Sixth separate company of 
Troy, Lieut. -Col. James W. Cusack, commanding, 
three officers and ninety-five men ; Gatling gun 
squad, eight men, Capt. Wm. B. Thompson, com- 
manding. 

The Second regiment was in command of Maj, 
William Haubennestel, with John P. Wilson of Pough- 
keepsie as adjutant, John L Pruyn of Yonkers, as 
quartermaster, and Stewart B. Carlisle, of Mt. Vernon, 
surgeon. It moved in this order : Twenty-first regi- 
ment band, twenty-one pieces ; Nineteenth separate 
company of Poughkeepsie, Lieut. Lewis P. Hauben- 
nestel, in command, four officers and eighty-seven 
men ; Fifteenth separate company of Poughkeepsie, 
Capt. Berthold Myers, commanding, two officers and 
forty-three men ; Twenty-third separate company of 
Hudson, Capt. William B. Elting, commanding, two 
officers and fifty men ; Fourth separate company of 
Yonkers, Capt. Raffaelle Cobb, commanding, three 
officers and fifty-eight men ; Fifth separate company 
of Newburgh, Capt. Joseph C. Chase, commanding, 

332 



two officers and thirty-nine men ; Eleventh separate 
company of Mt. Vernon, Capt. I. N. Pressey, com- 
manding, four officers and fifty-two men ; Sixteenth 
separate company of Catskill, Capt. A. M. Murphy, 
commanding, three officers and forty-two men ; Four- 
teenth separate company of Kingston, four officers 
and fifty-four men. Both regiments were in full State 
service uniform. 

The right of the provisional battalion was given to 
Co. D, First regiment of Philadelphia, the Zouave 
Cadets' guests, Capt. Henry O. Hastings command- 
ing. The command was dressed in blue blouse of 
Prussian pattern, white helmets and wore white trou- 
sers. They were preceded by the Waccaco band of 
Philadelphia. 

The battalion was in command of Maj. Norton 
Chase, with Lieut. Albert L. Judson as adjutant, and 
moved in this order, following Co. D. of Philadelphia: 
Thirty-sixth separate company of Schenectady, Lieut, 
Joseph F. White, commanding, two officers and forty- 
eight men ; Ninth separate company of Whitehall, 
Lieut. R. H. Davis, commanding, three officers and 
sixty-five men; Twenty-second separate company of 
Saratoga, Capt. Robert C. McEwen, commanding, 
three officers and fifty-five men. 

The Second Division. 
The Second division formed on Broadway with the 
right resting on Steuben street. It was the division 
in which were all the veterans of the late war who 
paraded. Men were there who marched just as 
steadily and sturdily amid the tempest of shot and 

333 



shell on the battle-field as they did to-day over the 
pavements of Albany. Men were there, too, who 
bore on their persons the marks of gallant and honor- 
able service. It was the division of the Grand Army 
of the Republic. The marshal in command was Maj. 
George H. Treadwell, and his aids were Capt. A. H. 
Spierre of Lew. O. Morris Post No. I2i as chief of 
staff. Commander William A. Wallace, Commander 
Abram Ashley and Comrades C. F. R. Coe and J. G. 
Breckenridge. All of them were mounted. The City 
band of Plattsburgh, numbering fifty-two pieces, 
headed the division, which was divided in two regi- 
ments, one commanded by Col. M. J. Severance and 
the other by Capt. W. Green. 

The right of the First regiment was occupied by the 
Tibbitts Veteran Corps association of Troy, in full uni- 
form, under command of Lieut. Walter L. Davis, and 
numbering thirty-five musketmen. Next came Lew. 
Benedict Post No. 5 of this city, who did full honor to 
the Bi-centennial anniversary by turning out two hun- 
dred strong, under command of Capt. Geo. W. Davey. 
Capt. Frank Edgerton was in command of the post 
staff. The post's drum corps of twelve pieces were 
also on hand. Following them came Lewis O. Morris 
Post No. 121, one hundred and twenty strong, under 
command of Capt. William W. Bennett, headed by the 
drum corps of Dahlgreen Post No. 113, numbering 
forty-four. G. L. Willard Post No. 34 of Troy, under 
command of Judge L. E. Griffith, numbering sixty-five 
men, came next, and were headed by a drum corps of 
eight pieces. Kane Post No. 3 12 of West Troy came 
next with fifty men and the Watervliet band of eighteen 

334 



pieces. Thurlow Weed Post No. 400 of East Albany 
came over the bridge with fifty battle-scarred veterans, 
commanded by N. W. Bell. Following came E. S. 
Young Post No. 33 of Amsterdam, thirty-four strong, 
under command of Capt. J. W. Kimball. The next 
post in order was R. L. Lathrop No. 138 of Hudson, T. 
Berridge commander, all uniformed, and numbered 
fifty men. Thomas M. Burt Post No. 171 of Valatie, 
put in an appearance with forty men, T. Goldsmith 
commander. New Baltimore contributed a delegation 
of twenty members of A, O. Bliss Post No. 305, with 
H. W. Mead as commander, and thirty members of 
Tyler Post No. 1 3 1 of Jefferson were in line under com- 
mand of Comrade R. S. Taber. Washington county was 
represented by ten members of Post No. 309 of Cam- 
bridge, of which W. J. Gibson is commander, united 
with twenty-six members of Post No. 570 of Salem, 
and came down together under command of Maj. W, 
J. Cruikshank of the latter post. 

Saratoga county was represented by twenty-five 
members of Gilbert Thomas Post No. 480 of Still- 
water, under command of Capt. John Ward, and 
several members of Wheeler Post No. 92 of Saratoga 
Springs. Eighteen members of Henry Ensign Post 
No. 568, under command of R. Hulbert, representing 
Brunswick, Rensselaer county. In carriages at the 
end of the division were contained these veterans: 
Commander R. F. Knapp of Wheeler Post No. 92 of 
Saratoga, Col. George T. T. Downing, aid-de-camp 
on the staff of Department Commander Sayles, Junior 
Vice-Commander Ormsby of Wheeler Post No. 92, 
comrade L. C. Ormsby of Lew. O. Morris Post No. 



335 



121, Commander Daniel Gleason, John S. Chandel, 
Henry Baker and W. H. Shants, of Post No. 121 ; 
John Nott, of Post No. 305 ; A. R. Johnson, of Post 
No. 5 : E. V. Reckmyer, of Post No. 215 of Sauger- 
ties, and Angevine Himes, of Post No. 34 of Troy. 
When the first division swept down Broadway and up 
State in splendid form, all the veterans dipped their 
colors and came to a present arms with their rattan 
canes. There were about nine hundred and fifty in 
line. 

The Third Division. 

Although smaller numerically than the other divis- 
ions, the third composed, with a single exception, of 
companies outside of the national guard, presented a 
fine display and was greatly admired. The division 
was under command of Marshal Thomas W. Cantwell 
and the following efficient aids : Chief of staff, Thomas 
C. Walsh ; aids, Joseph B. Zeiser, John J. Mulderry, 
John J. Cassidy, Jeremiah J. Maher, Frank S. Niver, 
James C. Farrell, James Brennan, Henry J. Kearney, 
jr., Joseph A. Wisely, John J. Creagan and George E. 
Latham. 

The crowds at the foot of State street were very 
large. The Athletic band of twenty-two pieces of 
Philadelphia, led the division. They accompanied the 
Rose Guard of Philadelphia, who appeared as the 
guests of the Jackson Corps. They were under the 
command of Captain James P. Holt, First Lieutenant 
Harry Hilbourn, Second Lieutenant Harry Cole. 
They had thirty rifles and three line officers. They 
appeared in dark blue uniforms, with cap of same 
color bearing the inscription, " Guard 94." The 

336 



guard is connected with post ninety-four, G. A. R., 
of Philadelphia, a delegation of which accompanied 
them as guests. The following composed the delega- 
tion : Commander Fred. J. Cotton, senior vice-com- 
mander, Alfred O. Kurtz ; junior vice-commander, 
William Tinsley and five comrades. The guard were 
entertained afterwards at the armory of the Jackson 
corps, where they made their headquarters while in 
the city. 

The Schenectady Washington Continentals, Captain 
George W. Marlette commanding, preceded by their 
own drum corps of eleven men, followed. The com- 
pany paraded sixty rifles and three line officers, and 
attracted applause all along the line ; appeared in an 
independent uniform, consisting of red coat, light 
blue trowsers and bearskin shakos. 

The Severance Cadets, under command of Captain 
William Addington, and with two line officers and 
twenty-seven men followed the Continentals. They 
appeared in new uniform pants of dark blue with 
white stripe. The Johnstown band of twenty pieces 
followed, and preceded the famous Keck Zouaves, 
accompanied by fifty well-known citizens of Johns- 
town, who are honorary members of the company. 
They were commanded by Captain P. F. Case and 
had three hne officers and forty men in the procession. 
The uniforms worn by the command consisting of red 
and white fez, light-blue blouse, dark-blue jacket, red 
pants and white leggins, presented a handsome ap- 
pearance. 

The following disabled veterans of the Albany Re- 
publican Artillery appeared in carriages, following the 

337 



zouaves : J. S. Graves, John Fredenrich, C. V. Gibson, 
Jacob Fredenrich, J. W. Baker, John Guardineer, 
Peter Hilton, John S. Clarke, Edmund Nesbitt, John 
Niblock, A. S. Richard, S. P. Winne, A. Austin, John 
Morrison, John L. Coon, John Travers, J. W. Upjohn, 
S. L. Bridgeford. 

Captain Philip Guardineer was in command of the 
latter. Frederick Townsend Post, No. i, Sons of Vet- 
erans, preceded by their drum corps of twenty-two 
men, had the left of the line. The post turned out 
three line officers and sixty men under the command 
of Commander James F. McCabe. 

The fourth division, occupying the left of the col- 
umn, though the smallest, held the position of guard 
of honor to the President, Governor, poet, orator and 
officers of the municipality. It was under command 
of Col. Edward D. Ronan, and comprised of the 
most celebrated military organizations of New York 
and the New England States. It formed on Eagle 
street, right resting on State. At the head of the 
division rode Col. Ronan, with staff as follows : Col. 
Wm. H. Terrell, chief of staff. Aids, Col. Joseph P. 
Eustace, Col. E. J. Bennett, Capt. S. Y. Southard, 
Capt. Wm. Todd, Capt. George W. Hobbs, Capt. S. 
S. Mitchell, Capt. David Teller, Sergt. A. Sliter, Wm. 
J. Nellis, Fred. E. Wadhams, Solan Slade, Frank 
Lodewick, Thomas Bishop, Robert Webster. 

The staff, in semi-military dress and finely mounted, 
appeared to advantage at the head of this distin- 
guished division. Following was the staff of the 
Burgesses Corps, with an honorary staff of delegates 
from the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company 

338 



of Boston, Boston Light Infantry Veteran Corps, 
Charlestown Cadets Veteran Association, Worcester 
Continentals, Governor's Foot Guard of Hartford ; 
Sixth battery. Fourth division, N. G. S. N. Y. ; Sec- 
ond battery. First division, N. G. S. N. Y. ; Hart- 
ford City Guard, veterans ; Twenty-third regiment, 
N. G. S. N. Y. ; veterans. Twenty-second regiment, 
N. G. S. N. Y. ; Old Guard, New York ; Utica Citi- 
zens' Corps ; Providence Light Infantry : Capt. Oscar 
Smith, acting adjutant. The honorary staff numbers 
fifty-four, and was conspicuous for the richness of its 
uniforms, and was headed by the Germania band of 
Pittsfield, twenty-three pieces. The Burgesses them- 
selves were close behind their visitors, and made a 
splendid showing at every point, in scarlet and gold 
uniforms and bearskin shakos. Their strength was 
six staff, three line and fifty-six muskets. The Old 
Guard veterans' battalion of the Seventh regiment, 
two hundred strong, commanded by Col. Locke W. 
Winchester, and headed by Cappa's Seventh regiment 
band, whose music was a continuous delight, held the 
extreme left of the military column. At the head of 
the carriages rode City Marshal Thomas H. Craven. 

THE PRESIDENT. 

In the third carriage, seated beside Mayor 
Thacher, was President Cleveland, who was saluted 
with cheers as he passed. William H. McElroy, 
poet of the day, and President McCann of the com- 
mon council, followed, and in the fifth carriage was 
Governor Hill and Gen. James W. Husted, while 
behind it rode the Governor's staff in gorgeous uni- 

339 



form. Last of all were the members of the common 
council and Bi-centennial committee in carriages. 
President Cleveland kept his head uncovered through- 
out the line of march, and acknowledged the cheers 
and other demonstrations with which he was greeted 
almost continuously. 

EXERCISES AT THE RINK. 

About I : 30 in the afternoon Mayor Thacher, 
accompanied by the President, Secretaries Bayard 
and Whitney, Governor Hill and Bishop Doane entered 
the rink and took their places on the stage. Several 
aids escorted them. The Schubert club and Troy 
vocal society were seated on the stage, behind many 
invited guests, among whom were : Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor Jones, Secretary of State Cook, Attorney-Gen- 
eral O'Brien, Judge Alton B. Parker, Insurance 
Superintendent Maxwell, Judge Muller and other 
State officers and their families were given seats on 
the platform, and Mrs. John Boyd Thacher was the 
centre of a group of Albany ladies. 

About two P. M. the legislative members arrived, 
two hundred in number, and took seats which had 
been reserved for them in the centre of the audito- 
rium. The crowd was now dense ; there was a black 
mass of people throughout the house, a perfect sea 
of faces. 

Conductor Greig immediately lifted his baton and 
the overture from "William Tell" commenced. 



340 



THE bishop's prayer. 
Bishop Doane then offered the following prayer: 
*' O God, the protector of all that trust in Thee, without 
Whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy," Who hast given us 
the inheritance of our fathers, that we may dwell in this city, 
which they founded in Thy fear, " increase and multiply 
upon us Thy mercy." EstabUsh and make sure the firm 
foundations of civil and religious liberty, on which they 
began to build ; and while Thou keepest us secure in all our 
rights, make us faithful to all our duties, and careful of all 
our trusts. Bless the magistrates and all whom we entrust 
with the authority of governance. Behold with Thy favor 
and replenish with Thy grace, Thy servants, the President 
of the United States, the Governor of this State, and the 
Mayor of this city. Strengthen and uphold their hands for 
the maintenance of order, the furtherance of morality, the 
advancement of true religion, and the preservation of peace. 
Prosper all works undertaken to Thy honor and glory, for 
the promotion of sound learning, the healing of the sick, 
the relief of the poor, and the care of the aged, the widowed 
and the fatherless. Send Thy blessing with power upon 
every effort to build up and extend the Kingdom of Thy 
dear Son in our city, and throughout our land ; in the hearts 
of our citizens, and of all mankind. Hallow and make 
happy the peoples' homes. Prosper our industries. Guide 
and enlarge and give the increase to enterprise and labor. 
Teach us to love things that are true, and honest, and just, 
and pure, and lovely, and of good report. Make us of one 
mind as citizens, in all that concerns the welfare of the city, 
and give us grace to dwell together in unity. Help us who 
honor the names, to maintain the virtues of our fathers, and 
hand down our heritage unharmed and increased to " the 
children of the generations to come, that they may know 
the mighty and wonderful works which Thou hast done." 
Keep us under the protection of Thy good Providence, 
strong and steadfast in Thy faith and fear ; that loving our 
city and our country, we may live as men who " desire a 
better Country, that is, an heavenly," and who look for the 
"City which hath foundations, whose builder and maker" 
Thou art. And give us grace " so to pass through things 
temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal," through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



341 



THE mayor's felicitous ADDRESS. 

Mayor Thacher then delivered the following felici- 
tous address : 

Citizens : Back of Albany to-day lie two hundred years 
of municipal history. Behind these two hundred are two 
and seventy other years of recorded and authentic events. 
Back of these two and seventy years, enshrouded in mist 
and cloud, are the uncertain forms and shadowy shapes of 
the years which belong to the beginning of our ancient 
town. We lay our hands upon our first charter and we 
touch one of the oldest municipal documents in America. 

It shall be the task of the student of chronology to 
estabhsh the date when the first men of Europe occupied 
this site. We can with confidence claim an older history 
than the Puritan colony. Jamestown died intestate and 
there is now no place to dispute our tide until we reach on 
the southern coast what was once the Spanish possessions. 

This river of ours, which seemed to flow from out the 
mouth of the great north, allured the early navigators up its 
course with the hope that it was an easy road to Asia. It 
was no siren song, and though the navigator failed to inter- 
pret it correctly, it sang to him of a beautiful country, of a 
rich land, of beaver skin and trade. His report brought to 
this hillside men honest and industrious, who kept a simple 
faith and wrought a determined work. 

It was for a home somewhere here that the Puritans in 
February, 1620, made bargain with the Prince of Orange. 
The patent, for some reason, was not granted and the less 
hospitable New England shore received them some months 
later. We lost the Puritans but we gained the Dutchmen, 
and while in some respects our history may not be as sdrring 
or eventful as theirs, our records make no mention of Salem 
burnings or Quaker scourgings. If witches were among us 
they walked the earth or rode the air unmolested and the 
Quaker, unreviled, went about his peaceful way. 

If ancientness of days was all our claim for distinction 
and honor, we should merit no great memorial. Our war- 
rant for renown is based on the good report those days have 
borne to the judgment place of the world. The philosopher 
has observed that history is made up of distinct and advanc- 
ing moves hke those in a game of chess. In the making of 
American history Albany has been an important piece upon 

342 



the board, and has been the castle which more than once has 
checked the course of kings. Our Dutch city stood like a 
mighty fortress against the French, shielding and protecting 
the English in New York and in New England. When the 
Dutch gave in their allegiance to English rule, they trans- 
ferred with it the friendship of the Five Nations and effected 
new and lasting treaties. Whoever reads American history 
must observe the great importance of this alliance with the 
Iroquois. They acted as guards, as scouts, as skirmishers. 
Again and again these friendly relations were strained and 
nearly sundered by mdiscreet and selfish men and the inhabi- 
tants of Albany were frequent but always successful peace- 
makers. There never was a year from the first settlement 
until the middle of the eighteeth century in which a war 
with the Iroquois would not have meant French ascendency 
and a changed destiny for America. Albany was the key 
to the situation in the great game of war. 

It is given to others this day to speak of our city's worth 
and to tell her glories. I would add to the chaplet to be laid 
upon her brow a single tribute. 

Here in the year 1754 was assembled the first colonial 
congress. Province and colony sent their delegates to 
consider a confederation of eleven of the States. That was 
a memorable gathering. In this city, and in no other place, 
American liberty was born ! In this city, and in no other 
place, the American Union was born ! In this city, and in 
no other place, was born that two-fold principle made up of 
liberty and union, one and inseparable ; that principle which 
shall ever live and never die ; that principle which is broad 
like the continents, deep like the seas, and which for per- 
petuity is like the stars fixed against the skies. 

Mayor Thacher then announced the poet of the 
day, William H. McElroy. 

The Poem. 
I. 

One fateful day, a people dear to God, 

Strong in his strength the house of bondage fleeing, 

Between the parted waves in triumph trod. 
The sea herself their valiant ally being ; 

The free-born sea rose up on either hand 

And made a pathway to the Promised Land. 

343 



But when along that wond'rous, wave-walled path 
The tyrant pressed, the fugitives pursuing, 

The free-born sea was moved to righteous wrath, 
And fiercely charging for the wrong's undoing 

The whelmed Egyptians agonized in vain — 

The longed-for further shore they might not gain. 

And so time's flood to stem, this lustrous hour. 
Behold what troops of memories are striving — 

O, may its waters wield the Red Sea's powder. 
Thus what is precious in our past surviving. 

All vanished ills, the ages' cumbering dross, 

Like Pharaoh's host — they shall not get across ! 

II. 

As the minstrel bends over his lyre 

And strikes it with fingers that falter, 
Aflame with the filial desire 

That the song shall be worthy the altar. 
When the jubilee's ended that still 

Some note that his anthem discloses 
Shall linger o'er valley and hill. 

Like the scent of the Bendemeer roses, — 

Lo, a voice — lo! a shape in the air, — 

What ghost with a taste for the merry, 
In the joy of this pageant to share 

Comes back o'er the Stygian ferry ? 
What phantom, the lyre to thrill, 

Has left the Delectable mountain. 
Where the Muses the nectar distil 

That is hoarded in Helicon's fountain ? 

There's a sword at the side of the ghost. 

At its wrists is a flourish of laces. 
Of a wonderful wig it can boast, 

Its waistcoat much broidery graces ; 
The hat it removes from its head 

Has too many corners for fashion. 
While its coat is so vividly red 

It would do for the genius of passion ! 

With a bow that is gracious and low, 

With smiles and the kindliest glances. 
With a step that is stately and slow, 

The mystical figure advances ; 
And the minstrel, though startled the while, 

Finds naught in the presence unnerving, 
For its face is as kind as the smile 

That plays on the pages of Irving ! 

<' I am here," said the radiant ghost, 

" Pressing back through eternity's portal 

From the distant, unspeakable coast 
That never was trodden by mortal ; — 

344 



It is love that the ages outwears, 
Its kingdom survives every other, 

So Schuyler, the first of the mayors. 
Comes back to revisit his mother ! 

" Uncovered each child of hers stands 

As round her we ardently rally, 
Her hills clap their verdure-clad hands, 

Joy's cup runneth o'er in the valley ; 
The river that hails her as queen. 

Is freighted with lender emotion, 
And sings of the beautiful scene 

Far down to the gate of the ocean. 

" And now as you reach for your lyre, 

And strike it with fingers that falter, 
Aflame with the filial desire 

That the song shall be worthy the altar, 
I charge you to Freedom be true 

If the strain's to be worthy our mother, 
And O, let the Dutch have their due, 

And their glory not go to another! 

" When the knights of humanity shine 

In the light of her final reviewing, 
You shall see — at the right of the line — 

Who most for her cause have been doing ; 
You shall see in that glorified host 

The Hollander, ne'er a pretender, 
Whom the Pilgrim could ever outboast. 

Named Liberty's stanchest defender ! 

"Turn not on the Pilgrim with jeers — 

He thought he was serving his Maker 
When he cut from the Baptist his ears 

And strangled the decorous Quaker — 
His witchcraft you're not to unhood. 

Nor tell of the saints that he banished, 
For we know his intentions were good. 

And his bigotry long ago vanished. 

" But fervent for justice I plead 

As you ponder the tomes of the ages ; 
Look well to the record, take heed 

To the light that illumines their pages ; — 
There — that is my mission — adieu — 

If your tribute's to honor our mother, 
Let the Dutch, let the Dutch have their due. 

And their glory not go to another." 

III. 

Good Peter Schuyler, there was little need 
To leave this mandate in the minstrel's ear ; 
Unwarned of thee he still had taken heed. 
The Dutch had had their due. Oh, never fear : 

345 



Or else the spirit of this grateful year 
Has lit in vain the torch of recollection, 
Whose searching light as sun-kissed dew is clear, 
And placed it in the hands of fond affection. 
As the dead centuries have resurrection ! 

Two humble little barques forever more 
Outrank the stateliest vessels of the line. 
And true hearts give them hail from every shore 
Whereon the blessed beams of Freedom shine : 
Lo, there the May Flower, like the ark divine. 
New England guards with passionate devotion ; 
With kindling eyes she claims that in its sign 
Right wins its way from ocean unto ocean — 
And e'en the universe retains its motion ! 

But while our brethren on the eastern coast 

Extol the Pilgrim barque with grand acclaim. 

Clan Hudson voices pledge a different toast — 

The Dutch Half Moon with swelling pride they name. 

Whose light on history's page shall never wane ! 

Roll back, ye ages, to that morn afar 

When the Grande River kissed its anchor chain 

And Freedom cried, her western gates ajar. 

Behold a Half Moon is my Morning Star! 

Then burst the sunlight on the Hudson's shores, — 

The precious torch that Heaven's pathway lights, 

The precious key of learning's priceless stores. 

The precious legacy to equal rights, 

The precious chart to Freedom's bracing heights, 

The golden rule, the Lord's supreme command, 

That every plant of bigotry but blights, — 

These were the boons that dropped from Holland's hand 

When the Half Moon had spied our goodly land! 

And long as floats the Union's ship of State, 

So long these pilot barques shall lead the way 

On to that blissful anchorage of fate 

Where hope to full fruition yields her sway, 

'Neath that supernal light that floods the perfect day : 

Till cold the heart and motionless the lip, 

Our souls shall magnify those days of yore, 

We'll not forget — we'll not give up the ship. 

Nor love the May Flower less, but love the Half Moon more ! 

O, Mayor the First, that in these scenes would mix 

For justice to thine own to fervent sue. 

Return in peace to realms beyond the Styx, 

W^e also to the pioneers are true, 

O, fond and faithful heart, we give the Dutch their due ! 



346 



IV. 

But, Schuyler, as we hold the ship, we pray thee, tell us true — 
When last this jubilee was kept, had then the Dutch their due ? 
That first Centennial of the town, who is it knows its story, 
From age to age where gleams the page o'er which it trails its glory? 

The Press was very modest then and left a thing or two 
Beneath the rose — the bashful rose that shuns the public view; 
So when the Charter feast occurred, the scanty record teaches, 
No paper even tried to print the after-dmner speeches ! 

We know the grand procession formed the City Hall before. 
That bells were rung and banners hung and anthems sung galore. 
We know the spirit of the day, we know— and more's the pity — 
That sundry spirits of the day were summoned by the city ! 

We know that ere the shadows fell the jocund fathers dined, 
But further annals of the feast we vainly seek to find ; — 
Who was the chaplain at the board, and did it boast a bard. 
And what the gastronomic gems that graced the menu card ? 

Who made the most alluring speech and who the saddest pun. 
What local chaff provoked a laugh and what the gossip spun ? — 
Ah, bootless is the tempting quest; the children may not know 
How 'twas the fathers kept the Day, one hundred years ago. 

But Fancy, kindling at the thought, would fain the scene portray, 
Would place upon the present's shrine that reminiscence gay ; 
Across the chasm of the past would stretch her magic wire 
And catch the echoes, faint and far, that never quite expire ! 

The banquet hall was plainly dressed — they did not dine in state — 
Mayhap a Haarlem tulip lay beside each feaster's plate, 
And, serving as a centre-piece, a ship in sugar done, 
With Hendrick Hudson on the deck, delighted everyone. 

An inkling of the courses served we hardly hope to gain, 
We know they relished simple food and drank their liquor plain; 
We know they loved the soothmg schnapps and safely may declare. 
Whatever else the dinner lacked, the olykoek was there ! 

The feasting o'er, the cloth removed, the long-stemmed pipes were lit^ 
Then burst the floods of eloquence, of sentiment, of wit — 
And when the curfew bell was heard, its pious precepts scorning. 
They sang in jubilant accord, We won't go home till morning ! 

The burden of the speeches made 'tis easy to surmise, 
George Washington they toasted first and praised him to the skies. 
And when they heard his deeds rehearsed for man's undying cause, 
They made that ancient tavern ring with rapturous applause. 

And then a toast extolled The State, and he who made reply 
Fixed on that babe in swaddling-clothes a prophet's glowing eye; 
He knew the blood, he knew the nurse, he knew what prospects smiled,. 
And so foretold she'd ever be the Nation's favorite child. 



347 



And speaking thus he raised his glass and uttered Clinton's name — 
They hailed him first of Governors, and gloried in his fame; 
They felt each ruler in the line would win the smile of God, 
If but he followed in the path the noble Clinton trod. 

And then, the dearest toast of all was summoned to the fore — 
With cheer on cheer, with smile and tear, with clamorous encore; 
The Mayor, with eyes that overflowed, sprang to his feet to say, 
<'Now is the flood-tide of the feast— I give The Charter Day! " 

At which arose from all their throats so long and loud a roar. 
The startled echoes raised their voice far up and down the shore. 
Till ancient vrouws, aroused from sleep, exclaimed — the simple souls — 
That Hendrick Hudson's phantom crew again was playing bowls ! 

The gallant son that made response was but a modest man, 
So though he placed the little town in all the ages' van. 
He spoke in such impassioned tones, with such a candid air. 
That those that hung upon his words were sure he witnessed fair. 

He said within her palisades the Nation had been born. 

The child was but a feeble thing, its future looked forlorn, 

But when her Court-House ope'd its doors to greet that Congress bold 

Then on his fairest prize of all the Lion lost his hold ! 

He said that when the war cloud burst, with loyalty intense 

The town became the Nation's hope, its rock of sure defence ; 

'Twas her's to hold the vital gate and — let it still be heard — 

She held the gate, she played the part that conquered George the Third ! 

The plaudits of the table rang about the speaker's ears, 
Those that had fought the rash Burgoyne gave nine tremendous cheers, 
While all declared with shake of head — why should they not, forsooth ? — 
He spoke the words of soberness, of plain unvarnished truth. 

Before the panegyrist stopped he spread before their eyes 
The signs of promise in the town, of growth in grand emprise; 
Indeed, such cheerful local signs were not deceptive tales. 
For as he spoke the boast went round of semi-weekly mails ! 

Besides, the bellman, strong of lungs, whose duty 'twas to tell, 

As every nightly hour struck, if all went ill or well, 

Declared unless the city checked its energetic stride 

He could not cover all the ground — some wards must go uncried ! 

The streets that once had gone unlit the cheerless darkness through 
Now were ablaze with fifty lamps, and nine of them were new ! 
While bowing to that giant force, the Spirit of the Age, 
They shamed the lazy-gliding sloop with lightning-rapid — stage. 

'Twas thus he of the silver tongue, before he sat him down, 
Did homage pay to local pride and glorify the town ; 
'Twas thus he deepened their belief that on from age to age 
Their home should be what then it was — a goodly heritage. 



348 



Then joining hands about the board, a stout and loving grip, 
They toasted Holland and the Dutch, and hailed their patron ship; 
They called to mind the blessings rich that followed in its wake, 
And vowed the things for which it stood they never would forsake. 

Such was, if Fancy's not deceived, one hundred years ago 
The dinner of the Charter Day and such its after-glow ; 
The tale cannot be verified for — thus the record teaches — 
No paper even tried to print the after-dinner speeches ! 

This Charter Day another strain rings out — 

They sang the seed, we sing the garnered grain ; 
They sang by faith that routed every doubt. 

We sing by sight- — each hill they knew, each plain 

Is vocal with our Harvest Home refrain! 
But O, they did not die without the sight 

Of the rich fruitage it is ours to gain ; 
They saw it all on many a vision's height, 
And so took heart, nor faltered in their fight. 

But fate to us, e'en as it did to them. 

Beckons ahead to duties manifold ; 
Nor might we dare to touch their memory's hem. 

If with a consistancy less true and bold 

We strove to hasten on the age of gold ; 
That age of gold, dispelling error's night. 

When ignorance shall be a tale that's told, 
When pale the lower lamps in Heaven's light 
And Right shall rule and be the only Might. 

Nor shall the fathers smite us with their scorn 

Because of ancient landmarks now no more ; 
Because when progress blew her magic horn 

The town renounced its walls ; and from the shore 

Fort Orange crumbled ; and the tavern door 
That ope'd to Washington and hence to fame 

Became unhinged ; and curfew time was o'er ; 
And on the hill — where hides thy blush, O shame ! 
The old-time Market bides but in its name. 

But there are landmarks of supremest worth — 

Seen of the soul, but not by mortal eye, 
And should they ever perish from the earth 

Then, though upon her hills exalted high, 

This city of our hearts shall surely die ; 
The courage calm that any fate defied. 

The civic fealty no bribe could buy. 
The sturdy faith in God as guard and guide — 
O, may such ancient landmarks e'er abide ! 

They shall abide — long as the Hudson rolls ! 

For though beneath the sod the old guard rests, 
Yet still each hero broods above the souls 

That glow within the children's loving breasts, 

349 



Thus sons of God in every age and clime 

The grave defied, still makes a noble quest, 
Though dead they speak, their counsels seem sublime, 
They conquer Death, they triumph over Time ! 

They shall abide — O, Schuyler, hear our vow 

And may it win us favor in thine eyes, — 
Thou loyal ghost, we pray thee tell us now 

What thoughts within thy swelling bosom rise 

As thou this Charter Day dost scrutinize ; — 
And Schuyler, like some watchman by his bell 
Who from a lookout tower Time's passage cries, 
Responds in accents that of rapture tell, 
Tivo by the century's clock, and all is -well ! 

As the applause subsided, the vocal societies again 
ranged themselves before the platform and the 
orchestra began the undulatory preface to Mr. George 
Edgar Oliver's impressive setting of Bishop Doane's 
Bi-centennial ode. The ode was rendered with mag- 
nificent effect and was rapturously received. The 
event of the programme, the historical oration of 
Governor Hill, had been awaited with interest. As 
he stepped forward handkerchiefs fluttered in the air, 
cheers rang out, and the band struck up " Hail to the 
Chief," as it had on the entrance of President Cleve- 
land. 

The Oration 

Fellow-citizens : The traveler upon the ocean, ap- 
proaching the magnificent harbor of New York, instinctively 
turns his eye northward toward the beautiful waters of the 
picturesque Hudson. 

Passing in his view the grand and imposing Palisades, 
thence along the majestic barriers of West Point and under 
the deep shadow of the Storm King, and still to the north- 
ward, beyond the line of the lofty Catskills, he beholds in 
the distance the craggy and precipitous Helderbergs, and 
seemingly hovering at their feet, although really far removed 
from their base, there appear, emerging close by the west 
bank of the Hudson, surrounded on every side by beautiful 

3SO 



and commanding scenery, the three broad and spacious hills 
upon which the city of Albany is so grandly built. 

It was here, upon this romantic spot, originally called by 
the euphonious name of "Aurania," that your Dutch fore- 
fathers settled with their families and planted the germs of 
civihzation, nearly three hundred years ago. Here, by the 
side of this " inlet of the sea," in the interior of a vast 
wilderness, yet where the tide of the great ocean ebbed and 
flowed, the heroic yeomanry of Holland came to this country 
and laid the foundation of the New Netherlands. 

It was as early as 1609, nearly a dozen years before the 
Mayflower landed at Plymouth, that Hendrick Hudson in 
his Dutch vessel, the " Half Moon," sailed into the mouth 
of the noble river which now bears his name, and landed at 
this historic spot. It was not, however, until a few years 
later, the precise date of which is uncertain, that any distinct 
settlement appeared at this point, but it is claimed that it is 
the most ancient existing settlement in the original thirteen 
colonies. What wonderful changes have since been 
wrought ! The rude hamlet of Aurania has prospered and 
grown until it is to-day the imperial capital of the greatest 
State in the Union — a city containing a population of over 
a hundred thousand inhabitants, who proudly claim the honor 
of its citizenship. 

History informs us that the emigrants from Holland were 
themselves of the most various lineage, for Holland had long 
been the gathering place of the unfortunate of other lands. 
It is said, that could we trace the descent of the emigrants 
from the Low Countries to New Netherlands, we should be 
carried, not only to the banks of the Rhine and the borders 
of the German Sea, but to the martyrs who escaped from 
France by reason of religious persecution, and to those 
earlier inquirers who were swayed by the voice of Huss in 
the heart of Bohemia. It is claimed by a very respectable 
historical authority, tliat a large number of the first settlers 
of Albany were Walloons — French people — but this claim 
may not be well founded. Nevertheless, it is true that New 
York was always peculiarly cosmopolitan in its character. 
Its settlers came from every clime and every land, and there 
were among them relics of the first fruits of the Reformation 
chosen from the Belgic provinces and England, from France 
and Bohemia, from Germany and Switzerland, from Pied- 
mont and the Italian Alps. 

351 



Resistance to wrong, oppression and persecution accus- 
tomed this people to seek the blessings of religious and 
political freedom wherever such freedom could be found. 
They zealously preferred national libery to the demands of 
arbitrary power; and their experience of intolerance had 
made them liberal in thought and action, and paved the way 
for their own and their decendants' subsequent efforts in 
behalf of independence and a free and representative form 
of government to which they were early instinctively inclined. 

A learned writer has thoughtfully said : " In the deepest 
and widest sense our American history does not begin with 
the Declaration of Independence, or even with the settle- 
ment of Jamestown and Plymouth, but it descends in 
unbroken continuity from the days when stout Arminius, 
in the forests of northern Germany, defied the might of 
imperial Rome." 

Such was the history and such were the characteristics of 
those who became the early settlers of this city. 

WHAT THE DUTCH BROUGHT. 

The eloquent Storrs has pertinently said that the Dutch 
brought to this country " the patience, the enterprise and the 
courage, the indomitable spirit and the hatred of tyranny, 
into which they had been born, into which their nation had 
been baptized with blood. Education came with them ; 
the free schools, in which Holland had led the van of the 
world, being early transplanted to these shores. * * * 
An energetic Christian faith came with them, with its bibles, 
its ministers, its interpreting books." They brought with 
them their virtues and their vices, their thrift and their 
lethargy, and all their social tendencies and national 
peculiarities. 

A critical and amusing historian wrote, many years ago 
concerning the appearance of this place : "Albany was 
indeed Dutch, in all its moods and tenses — thoroughly and 
inveterately Dutch. The buildings were Dutch — Dutch in 
style, in position, attitude and aspect. The people were 
Dutch, the horses were Dutch, and even the dogs were 
Dutch. If any confirmation were wanting as to the origin 
and character of the place, it might be found in the old 
Dutch church, which was itself always to be found in the 
middle of State street, looking as if it had been wheeled 
out of line by the giants of old, and there left; or had been 



dropped down from the clouds in a dark night, and had 
stuck fast where it fell." 

It may have been because Albany and the other towns 
upon the Hudson river, which were settled by the Dutch 
emigrants, so much resembled places in northern Germany 
that the Hudson has sometimes been called the "Rhine of 
America," although usually other reasons are given for the 
appellation. 

The spot where this city stands was, as before stated, 
originally called Aurania ; then Beverwyck until 1625 ; then 
Fort Orange until 1647, and Williamstadt until 1664, and 
then called by its present pleasant name of Albany, in honor 
of the Duke of York and of Albany. 

RELATIONS TO THE STATE." 

In a young nation like ours, a city whose chartered privi- 
leges and immunities have existed through two centuries, 
with all the historic memories gathered around it, is so 
uncommon that the approach of its Bi-centennial Day is an 
event of great magnitude. It is impossible to recall the 
associations which center about such an event, without deep 
and solemn, yet pleasing recollections, for with such recol- 
lections one generation speaks its thoughts, feelings and 
hopes to another. The citizens of Albany, have, therefore, 
appropriately set apart this day and week for mutual con- 
gratulations over the success and prosperity of their city 
through a period of two hundred years, the close of which is 
reached to-day. Not for mutual congratulations alone, but 
for congratulations with the great State of which the city 
has so long been the capital ; so long been the center of its 
executive, legislative and judicial system. Not only this, 
but the people extend congratulations to the great Republic 
itself, with which this city has always co-operated in loyalty 
and faith in advancing the cause of national prosperity. 

We are celebrating the primal existence of this city, born 
from a charter granted by the sovereignty of England, a 
sovereignty to which the city owed and gave allegiance for 
nearly one hundred years. The city thus created has out- 
lived the perils and dangers of its situation on the confines 
of civilization, the attack of savage foes, the wars with the 
French and their Indian allies, the fearful trials of the Revo- 
lution, the bitter internal strifes of the turbulent tory 
element, the dangers arising from a loose confederation and 

353 



the contention of partisan zealots. It has continued through 
all this time and through all these events, fortunate in the 
natural favor of its situation on the bank of the most beauti- 
ful and most historic river in the nation, sometimes called 
"the River of the Mountains;" fortunate in the intelligence, 
cultivation and enterprise of its citizens; fortunate in its 
municipal, religious and educational advantages. Banners, 
and badges, music, civic processions, and the parade of 
accomplished citizen soldiery are fitting accompaniments to 
the occasion. Thus, in the midst of so much diffused wealth, 
so much happiness and comfort, so much general indepen- 
dence and under so many blessings, we indulge in gratifying 
recollections of the past, in pleasing thoughts of the pros- 
perity of the present and so many glorious hopes for the 
future. 

Two hundred years ago Albany was the scene of an event 
the importance of which has called this immense concourse 
together to-day. That event was the birth of this city. The 
happy citizens who then gathered together, were colonists, 
subjects of a British monarch, and they were a people of 
education and refinement. They had brought with them 
the civilization, the arts, sciences and education of England 
and of Holland ; accomplished men of business, scholars, 
jurists, learned and pious ministers of the gospel, the artist, 
the artisan, and the honest laborer came here from the Old 
World to make these hills their home. They brought with 
with them the fundamental principles of jurisprudence — 
that jurisprudence which was afterwards enlarged and liber- 
alized by a popular and republican form of government. 

CHARACTER OF GOVERNOR DONGAN. 

As has well been said : " The colonists had escaped from 
the existing political systems of Europe, but they continued 
in the enjoyment of its sciences and arts, equality of rights, 
a representative system, free government founded on popu- 
lar representation, and a general freedom of religious opinion 
and worship. For they brought with them the Bible, Bacon, 
Locke, Milton and Shakespeare; they came, not only to 
form new political systems, but all other institutions that 
belong to cultivated man." 

These were the people to whom Thomas Dongan, in 
1686, granted that charter which made Albany a city. And 
who was Thomas Dongan ? His name is to-day upon every 

354 



lip. All that concerns his character and life is eagerly sought 
after by the inquiring multitude who throng these streets. 
You have recently, and with great propriety, organized in 
this city a social club in his honor and which bears his name. 
It is meet and proper that I say a few words regarding one 
whose history is so intimately connected with the antecedents 
of this place. Of all the P2nglish colonial governors he was 
the best and ablest ; he possessed discretion which seldom 
permitted a mistake ; an integrity which always looked to 
the good of the colonists over whom he ruled; a firmness of 
purpose that rarely failed, and which yielded to no obstacle 
or reverses. He began his career in Hfe as a soldier ; he 
rose to high official rank in the army, and after distinguish- 
ing himself he retired, becoming a civilian and legist, 
winning the confidence of Charles II. and his brother, the 
Duke of York, who found in him those executive abilities 
which especially qualified him to govern their province of 
New York, as the successor of Edward Andros. Duly com- 
missioned for his high office, Dongan landed in New York 
City in 1682, where he was received with every demonstra- 
tion of popular favor. 

One of the first acts of his administration was to grant the 
prayer of the citizens of the city for a general and popular 
assembly or convention. This convention, consisting of 
representatives from different parts of the colony, convened 
at Hempstead, in 1683. This was really the first representa- 
tive body of the colony of New York, although other bodies 
assuming to be popular in their character had assembled. 
The popular nature of this assemblage at Hempstead is 
better known by its acts. It passed an act of general natu- 
ralization, the first important step toward American citizen- 
ship ; an act declaring the liberties of the people ; an act 
establishing a bill of rights ; an act defraying the expenses 
of the colonial government ; an act for regulating the inter- 
nal affairs of the province, and special acts for the better 
protection of Albany. This town or burgh was represented 
in this convention by citizens whose ability, public spirit and 
influence enabled them then and there to take the initial 
step for obtaining that charter which three years later was 
fully granted. They did more than this — they succeeded 
in interesting the new Governor largely in the affairs of their 
village, an interest which increased as time went on. 

At this time James, Duke of York and Albany, was the 



355 



proprietor, under favor of his royal brother, Charles II , of 
that vast territory known as the Province of New York, a 
name derived from its princely proprietor. The critical 
state of affairs of that part of the colony in which Albany 
was situated, with the French and Indians, called in requisi- 
tion every executive ability of Governor Dongan, and they 
proved amply eftective in coping with the deep, designing 
and cruel diplomacy of the French government in the 
Canadas, and he found it necessary to make Albany, in a 
large degree, the seat of government in the province, where 
he often came in the discharge of his executive duties. In 
September, 1683, he made his first visit here, where he met 
in council the citizens and listened favorably to their requests 
for executive co-operation. In August, 1685, Governor 
Dongan presided at the great convention held here, which 
was attended by delegates from most of the Indian tribes 
from Virginia to Lake Ontario. 

JUST DEALINGS WITH THE INDIANS. 

In August, 1687, he met the Iroquois in convention at 
Albany, and soon after this he established his executive resi- 
dence here, where he remained till June, 1688. This step 
became necessary by the deep-plotted blow by which the 
French threatened the English interests in North America. 
This dangerous policy of the French was to be executed by 
the bold, sagacious and accomplished soldier and civilian, 
De Nouville, who, at the time of Dongan's arrival in Albany, 
had, with a large French and Indian army, invaded the 
country of the Senecas, one of the confederate tribes of the 
Five Nations, who were friends of the English. But Don- 
gan's vigorous war policy, inaugurated at Albany, checked 
the career of De Nouville, and rescued the province from 
the threatened dangers of his invasion. 

The distinguishing feature of the conduct of the early 
setders of the Colony of New York, and particularly those 
residing in this vicinity, in all their transactions with the 
Indians, was the endeavor to deal justly with them, to respect 
their rights, to recognize their title to the soil, and to acquire 
their property only after fair negotiation and liberal treat- 
ment. This honorable method of procedure made the 
Indians their friends, and to a great extent rendered them 
most serviceable and faithful allies in all the colonists' con- 
tests with their enemies. In many instances the colonists of 

356 



New England seemed to pursue a different course, and not 
only lost the support, but brought upon themselves the active 
opposition and hostility of the red men of that section, and 
cost the people much treasure and thousands of valuable 
lives. 

Albany was the scene of another convention of the 
province, which assembled in August, 1689. In the con- 
vention which assembled in 1683, attended by delegates 
from all the tribes forming the Five Nations and delegates 
from the white settlers along the Mohawk and other parts 
of the province, the delegates from the Five Nations desig- 
nated Albany as " their covenant house, which was always 
to be open and kept clean." 

FIRST IDEA OF AN AMERICAN UNION. 

It is thus seen that Albany became a representative centre 
or capital at this early period in her history ; and so it con- 
tinued, by the frequent representative conventions held here 
up to the very time of the Revolution. Here, in 1754, was 
held a convention of delegates from New Hampshire, Mass- 
achusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maryland and New 
York. Bancroft says : "America has never seen an assembly 
so venerable for the States that were represented or for the 
great and able men who composed it. Every voice declared 
a union of all the colonies to be absolutely necessary." 

This convention was perhaps the first step toward a scheme 
for the common defense. A plan for a pohtical union was 
drawn by Benjamin Franklin on the fourth of July, 1754, 
but it met with the singular misfortune of being rejected by 
the provincial assemblies because it gave too much power to 
the crown, and rejected by the crown because it gave too 
much power to the people. But it gave to Albany the 
distinguished honor of being the place where the first steps 
toward a Federal Union were taken. 

THE FAMOUS CHARTER. 

It was unfortunate that after the accession of James to the 
throne, though he renewed Dongan's commission, he 
annulled all the privileges he had granted the province under 
the convention of 1683, promulgating an order to Dongan 
to suffer no printing press in the province. But Albany 
received its charter July 22, 1686, through Dongan's friend- 
ship and influence with the crown, and the distinguished 

357 



honors shown the name of Governor Thomas Dongan in 
this great celebration are fitting tributes to his abiUties, his- 
successful administration and his unswerving friendship and 
kindly acts to this city in its infancy. That charter, obtained 
through his influence, is drawn with all the care, precision 
and legal learning of that age. Fac similes of this singu- 
larly beneficent instrument are to be seen everywhere in the 
city. An inspection of that charter shows how fully it pro- 
tected the interests of the citizens of Albany, and, though 
it originated in royal power, it in no way deprived them of 
their privileges, liberties, franchises, royalties, free customs 
and immunities. Though written two hundred years ago, in 
the quaint language of the times, it is appropriate to our own 
age, and we turn to it with feelings of profound veneration 
and respect. It is a grand instrument of antiquity which 
has come down from the past to form a most interesting 
feature in this celebration. It contains provisions known to 
few, if any, of the royal charters granted to colonial towns. 
There was conferred in it the right to purchase from the In- 
dians large tracts of land to be held as the property of the 
Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the city. It also 
granted to the city certain other large tracts of land which 
were sources of revenue to the city, and were held by it till 
they formed the basis of that famous lottery of Yates and 
Mclntyre, which subsequently became so important a matter 
in the history of the State, and to-day the city owns parcels 
of land the title to which was derived from the Dongan 
charter. The importance of this charter is signified in the 
extent of the territory which comprised the city. Its limits 
were one mile north and south on the Hudson, and sixteen 
miler in a north-west direction. 

Schuyler's resistance of leisler. 

The character of the ancient burghers is well illustrated in 
their treatment of Jacob Leisler, when that stout-hearted but 
wrong-headed individual assumed to himself the government 
of the Province of New York. Leisler was a strange mix- 
ture of Oliver Cromwell and Captain Kidd. He had all 
the rehgious zeal and ambition after power which distin- 
guished the former, while his boldness of action and his 
disregard for methods were Kidd's very best designs. 

When James II. retired, and William and Mary came 
upon the throne, the colonies were in much confusion over 

358 



the change. New York was left without any governing head 
other than a sort of executive council. It was the opportu- 
nity for an ambitious man who could take a chance. Leisler, 
who had hitherto been known as a successful merchant and 
a captain of miUtia, took possession of the government. 
Albany, alone of all the province, refused to acknowledge 
him. He sent his son-in-law, Milbourne, to this city and 
demanded his recognition of his authority, even declaring 
that this old charter of yours, which you guard with so much 
tenderness, was illegal, null and void. Peter Schuyler, your 
first Mayor, was as determined as Leisler, and had the guns 
and barricade of a fort to help him in his resistance, and 
compelled Milbourne's retirement. Afterward, when your 
sister city, Schenectady, was burned by Frontenac's forces, a 
sort of truce was patched up with the strong-willed Dutch- 
man, but, while the rest of the province always humbled 
itself to him, and employed terms of the highest regard, 
addressing him as " His Excellency " and " Their Majesties' 
Lieutenant," the Albanians prided themselves on always 
calling him in their public communications, as well as in 
their private conversation, " Captain Jacob Leisler." When, 
as time rolled on, the wheel had completed its revolution, 
and Albany was on top and Leisler underneath, the burghers 
enjoyed a pleasure which has never since been afforded 
them, and that was the execution, for high crime and mis- 
demeanor, of the Chief Executive of the Province. I have 
no doubt this terrible fate which came upon Jacob Leisler — 
whatever the formidable document which constituted his 
death warrant may have called it — was in reality due to his 
attitude of hostility to the Albanians, and it certainly is true 
that since that time no Executive of this State has ever dared 
to put himself in a position of antagonism to the inhabitants 
of the place that Washington styled " this ancient and respect- 
able town." 

THE END OF THE FIRST CENTURY. 

A hundred years of the city's existence was completed in 
1786, and the anniversary was appropriately celebrated. 
The Revolutionary war had 'but recently closed, and the 
Dongan City Charter, modified in a few essential particulars, 
was still the fundamental law of the city. At the beginning 
of the struggle for independence, the clarion voice of liberty, 
which resounded over the colonies, had little effect on the 

359 



people of Albany. The tory element in the city was large, 
and for a time held the balance of power ; but the news of 
the conflicts at Concord and Bunker Hill soon reached it, 
and then the voice of toryism was silenced, and the Decla- 
ration of Independence, subsequently read from a historic 
spot in the city, was hailed with loud and prolonged applause 
by the assembled people. 

Historians have told us of the sufferings and privations of 
the people of Albany during the struggle for independence. 
To the north and north-west, and up the Mohawk River, all 
the horrors of border and terrible civil warfare raged, ren- 
dering the city a scene of terror. The city suffered greatly. 
If it was not a decisive battle ground, if it was not devastated 
by the march of opposing armies, or cannonaded by the 
enemy, it was in constant danger of many of these fearful 
visitations. The roar of Burgoyne's cannon from Saratoga, 
answered by the guns of the Continentals, reverberated over 
it ; while the citizens knew the fleet of Sir William Howe 
and his army were endeavoring to make their way up the 
Hudson to fall upon them from the south. 

The position of Albany rendered it one of the most im- 
portant points in the struggle. Situated almost midway in 
the territory, which by the great plan of the British generals 
to crush the rebellion — as they termed the patriotic cause 
— was to be swept by Burgoyne from the north and Howe 
from the south, whose armies were to unite at Albany, it 
became a great strategic point, made so by its geographical 
position. For not dissimilar reasons it afterwards became a 
political and governmental center. 

A STRATEGIC POINT. 

The importance of Albany's position to the State and 
Nation is illustrated by an incident connected with the 
soldierly foresight and discernment of General Winfield 
Scott. He was once riding with a distinguished citizen of 
the State from Sharon Springs to Cherry Valley, by the 
route known as the Ridge road, twelve hundred feet above 
tide water, which overlooks to the north, to the east and to 
the west, regions below embracing the confluence of the 
Hudson and the Mohawk. As they were gazing in admira- 
tion upon this magnificent view, stretching over into Ver- 
mont and Massachusetts, General Scott exclaimed, as he 
pointed in the direction where the two rivers approached 

360 



each other : " There is the grand strategic point of the 
American continent, and Albany is next in importance. 
An invading army that could take and hold those points 
could dictate terms to the Republic." On one of General 
Grant's visits to Albany this point was shown him, and 
General Scott's remarks related to him. After reflecting a 
few moments he rephed, with his characteristic brevity: 
" Yes, General Scott was right." 

" It was," said Governor Seymour, in his centennial 
address at Schuylerville, " the design of the British govern- 
ment in the campaign of 1777 to capture the center and 
stronghold of this commanding system of mountains and 
valleys. It aimed at its very heart — the confluence of the 
Hudson and the Mohawk. The fleets, the armies and the 
savage allies of Britain were to follow their converging lines 
to Albany, and there strike the decisive blow." 

The importance of Albany during the Revolution was 
fully understood by the British ministry ; carefully drawn 
views of the interior and exterior of old Fort Frederick, 
whose guns swept the river and the surrounding country, 
were seen in London and Paris, and were carefully studied 
by engineers and soldiers. Its proximity to the great 
strategic point described caused them, as weU as Washington 
and his generals, to watch the movements of Burgoyne and 
his powerful army with the most intense interest. Sherman's 
march to the sea, in the late Rebellion, did not, in the 
beginning, promise more favorable or decisive results to the 
Union cause than did the invasion of Burgoyne to the cause 
of Britain in the Revolution. The progress of the British 
ships up the Hudson to a point east of the Allegany range, 
the capture and burning of Kingston, where the British 
admiral awaited communication from Burgoyne, are events 
familiar to the readers of history. There were those in 
Albany at that time who knew full well that the cause of free- 
dom was suspended in a balance. They knew if Howe pushed 
rapidly to Albany he would soon unite with Burgoyne, and 
the American commander would be forced to retreat to 
New England, if he escaped the powerful combination 
against him. But for some cause Howe delayed, and his 
delay was fatal to Burgoyne, and his troops were marched 
prisoners of war through Albany, and himself also became 
a prisoner of war in one of the mansions of the city, whose 



361 



old walls saw this proud commander a prisoner-guest of one 
of Albany's most illustrious citizen-soldiers. 

HONOR TO PHILIP SCHUYLER. 

The central figure of the Albany heroes of the Revolution 
was General Philip Schuyler. He was one of the ablest 
and most distinguished of the officers who served the patriot 
cause, and impartial history concedes the fact that it was 
under his generalship that the plans were matured and the 
movements conceived which subsequently led to the victory 
of Saratoga ; deprived of the honor of actually participating 
in that memorable and decisive engagement, by the unwise 
action of Congress in removing hun from his command 
shortly before that battle, he, nevertheless, did not permit 
the personal wrong to himself to swerve his loyalty to the 
American cause. While Gates was the immediate commander 
under whom the contest was fought, the glory belonged, in 
reality, greatly to Schuyler. His is not the only instance in 
history where the laurels of one commander, who had 
patiendy disciplined his army, formulated his campaign, and 
planned his victory, have been snatched from him by another, 
who, at the eleventh hour, was put in command, and, by the 
fortunes of war, was enabled to reap what the former had 
sown. 

Military reputation is fickle at the best, but, notwithstand- 
ing the ill-fortune that overtook the gallant Schuyler on the 
eve of his greatest triumph, he maintained the confidence — 
if not of Congress — at least of the people of the country 
and the warm friendship of Washington, the Commander-in- 
Chief. The people have always respected his memory, and 
forts, garrisons and public institutions without number in 
various parts of the country have been named in his honor. 
With pleasure I recall the fact that the youngest county in 
the State of New York — my own native county — bears the 
name of Albany's most distinguished soldier. 

Albany, as we have before seen, was, by natural causes, 
destined to be not only a point of great importance in 
colonial history and in the War of the Revolution, but in 
her relations with the distant Indian tribes and the early set- 
tlers. She did not lose the benefit of her advantages in her 
later history, for she possessed those which always tend to 
establish the capital of the country. As the Acropolis and 
Mars Hill, in view of the " Eye of Greece," made Athens, 

362 



despite every opposing influence the capital of an early 
republic ; as Rome, situated on her seven hills, was the most 
fitting place for the capitolium of her mighty empire ; as 
Edinburgh, London and Dublin became the capitals of their 
respective countries, so Albany, with its Capitol Hill, as 
beautiful as that seen from the Acropolis of Athens, became 
the capitol of the Empire State. 

On March 21, 1787, after a long and bitter opposition, an 
act for altering the chartered rights of the city passed both 
branches of the Legislature and became a law. Down to 
that period the Dongan charter had continued to exist, with 
a few changes rendered necessary by the State Constitution. 
This act did not effect a radical change in the charter; it 
merely divested the Mayor of the power of acting as sole 
coroner of the city and county, and deprived the aldermen 
and Mayor of the exclusive right to the regulation of trade 
with the Indians. The charter amended by this act con- 
tinued to be the fundamental law of the city, with some 
amendments, until March 16, 1870, when it was changed by 
extensive amendments with which you are all familiar. 

MADE CAPITAL OF THE STATE. 

With this glance at the charter, I return to the considera- 
tion of Albany as the capital and its relation to the State. 
Immediately after the Revolution, the location of the State 
capital became a great and absorbing question to the people. 
The important position of Albany during the colonial period 
and the Revolution made it, in the estimation of a large 
class of the people, as well as many statesmen and legislators 
of the period, a most proper place for the capital. It was 
not, however, without antagonism from poHtical influence, 
and from rival cities and towns claiming to possess superior 
advantages, that it was finally established here. For a time 
the prolonged contest over the seat of the capital gave the 
seat of State Government and the State Legislature a kind 
of mercurial existence, and the State had no estabhshed 
capital. 

The first session of the Legislature v/as held at Kingston 
and Poughkeepsie in 1777-8; the second session at Pough- 
keepsie, 1778-9; the third Legislature held three meetings, 
one at Kingston in 1779, one at Albany and one at King- 
ston in 1780 ; the fourth had three meetings, one at Pough- 
keepsie in 1780, and at Albany and Poughkeepsie in 1781 ; 



the fifth Legislature met at Poughkeepsie in 1781-2 ; the sixth 
session was held at Poughkeepsie and Kingston in 1782-3; 
the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth sessions in the city of 
New York from 17S4 to 1787; in 1788 the eleventh session 
at Poughkeepsie; the twelfth session, 1788-9, at Albany; 
from 1789 to 1793, the Legislature met in the city of New 
York; the seventeenth session was at Albany, 1794; the 
eighteenth at Poughkeepsie and New York city ; the next 
session was held m New York, 1796, and the twentieth 
session, 1796-7, at New York and Albany. At this latter 
session the question as to the site of the future capital was 
settled, and Albany became the perpetual seat of govern- 
ment in the State. It was not political influence alone, nor 
the influence of wealth, nor the weight of local importunity 
that decided this great question. It was, to a great extent, 
those natural advantages which have been already described. 
Albany became the capital of the State the same year the 
United States Constitution was transmitted to Congress for 
ratification or rejection. Its ratification met the strongest 
opposition in our own State, the center of which was in Al- 
bany, where it engendered a fierce contest. 

RATIFYING THE CONSTITUTION. 

A singular feature of this contest was that Hamilton, the 
leader of the Federalists in this State and Nation, favored 
the Constitution, while many of the anti-Federalists, despair- 
ing of anything better, united with him in favoring the rati- 
fication. This arrayed old political friends against each 
other with that intensity of hatred which seems to have 
been incident to such contests in the early days of the 
Republic. The discussions in the city over this question 
rendered it almost the pivotal point touching the adoption 
or rejection of the Constitution. George Chnton, the grand 
old soldier of the Revolution, the venerated patriot and 
statesman, who sat in the Executive Chair of the State 
twenty-one years, the uncompromising enemy of the Fed- 
eralists, the unswerving friend of popular and State 
rights, and his friends in the city, who were powerful, 
opposed the ratification of the Constitution with most 
intense determination. Political writers have attributed 
Clinton's policy in this regard to his hatred of Hamil- 
ton. It is believed, however, that his opposition was 
stimulated by higher and loftier motives. He regarded 

364 



the Constitution as fantastic and experimental — a fit 
instrument to deprive the people of the State of their 
liberties. The convention for ratifying it met at Pough- 
keepsie, June 17, 1788. Of the seven delegates from 
Albany, at the head of whom was one of its most beloved 
and honored citizens and jurists, John Lansing, jr., four 
voted against the ratification and three declined to vote. 
At this time Clinton was Governor of the State and a 
resident of Albany, but he represented Ulster, his native 
county, in this convention, and was president of that body. 
He also declined to vote on the question. On July 26, the 
Constitution was ratified by a vote of thirty to twenty-seven. 
When this result was announced in Albany the city became 
the scene of a memorable contest between the friends and 
opponents of the Constitution. The greatest and most dis- 
tinguished citizens participated in it. Though Clinton and 
his friends were overthrown in their opposition, a brilliant 
triumph awaited them in the amendments to the Constitution 
which he had favored, and which were soon made. He and 
the Albany delegates caused these amendments to the Con- 
stitution, in accordance with their views to be proposed at 
the first session of the first Congress. In securing the 
adoption of these they were successful. Ten of these 
amendments were ratified by the Legislature of 1790, and 
another by the Legislature of 1791. These eleven amend- 
ments, originally favored by Governor Clinton and the 
Albany delegates, and a few delegates from other parts of 
the State, were added so soon after the adoption of the 
Constitution that they may fairly be considered a part of the 
original instrument. Thus it will be seen the opposition to 
the Constitution by Chnton and his Albany friends was just 
and honest, and the amendments which he had urged were 
in accordance with the true doctrines of a Republican 
government. 

CONTEST IN THE FIRST LEGISLATURE. 

The first session of the Legislature, which assembled after 
the events which I have described at Albany, December 11, 
1788, was the scene of another contest, to which, from our 
standpoint to-day, it is proper to refer: The Federalists 
controlled the Senate, but Clinton had a large majority in 
the House. This resulted in an uncompromising dead-lock 
over the choice of presidential electors and the election of 

365 



a United States Senator. So the State was not represented 
in the first Electoral College which voted for George Wash- 
ington, and was also unrepresented in the Senate of the next 
Congress. This session was convened by Governor Clinton 
for the purpose of choosing these electors and a United 
States Senator. One of the strong charges made against 
Clinton was his delay in convening this Legislature so that 
the electors chosen by it had not time to receive the legal 
notice of their election and to be present at the time assigned 
by the Constitution for the meeting of the college. But it 
was the protracted contest in the Legislature that delayed 
the selection, and not the action of the Governor. Those 
who have examined the State journals of that day will see 
how deep and radical was the contest over these matters. 
They will also see with gratification how a large majority of 
the citizens of Albany united in sustaining the Governor not 
only during this contest, but in the gubernatorial contest 
which soon followed, in which he was again a candidate for 
Governor, and which resulted in his election. 

LONG A JUDICIAL CENTER. 

During the Dutch colonial period, and that of the English, 
Albany was largely the center of provincial jurisprudence. 
Here the Dutch courts of Burgomasters and Scheppens 
were held in the old Stadt Huys or State House, erected 
soon after the settlement of Albany. When the English 
took possession of the colony, courts of justice were organ- 
ized here, under the authority known as the Duke's laws, a 
name derived from the Duke of York. 

In 1685, one year before the city charter was granted, 
Governor Dongan estabhshed in the colony a Court of Ex- 
chequer, which was composed of the Governor and his 
council. The history of this tribunal exhibits the judicial 
wisdom of this accomplished Chief Magistrate. The court 
had jurisdiction over all matters relating to the lands, rents, 
rights, profits and revenues belonging to the crown. On the 
abolishment of this court in 1691, the Colonial Supreme 
Court was given jurisdiction in these matters. After the 
adoption of the State Constitution this court was reorgan- 
ized as a branch of the State Supreme Court, for the better 
levying and accounting for the fines, forfeitures and debts 
due the people of the State. One term of Governor Don- 
gan's court was held in Albany in the fall of 1685. 

Z66 



We have seen that long before the adoption of the Fed- 
eral Constitution, and even before the city became the capi- 
tal of the State, Albany was what might be termed a judicial 
center. From the time it became the State capital to the 
present time, the great courts of the State have held their 
sittings here. The great Court of Dernier Resort — the 
court for the correction of errors — composed of State Sena- 
tors, Justices of the Supreme Court and the Chancellor of 
the State, held its sittings here from its organization under 
the Constitution until abolished by the changes in the Con- 
stitution of 1846. Here, too, the Court of Appeals, the 
highest judicial tribunal of our State, has mostly held its 
sittings since its establishment under that Constitution. 

Over our early tribunals presided the great expounders of 
our legal and judicial system : Jay, Hobart, Benson, Brock- 
hoist, Livingston, James Kent and others. The early decis- 
ions of these courts exhibit the trained minds, enlarged legal 
abilities and unwearied industry of the judicial officers who 
resided in this city — Woodworth, Lansing, Yates, Spencer 
and Marcy ; while the latter decisions also show the abun- 
dant talents of Albany jurists equally esteemed. Here 
Henry, Van Vechten, Van Buren and Butler, and at a later 
period, Reynolds, Stevens, Wheaton, Hill, Cagger, Peck- 
ham, Tremain, Hand and others, became renowned at the 
Albany bar. 

GREAT CENTER OF POLITICAL POWER. 

From the adoption of the Constitution to the present 
time, Albany has been a great center of political power. 
From here have extended the arteries which have sent their 
pulsations into every town and into almost every home in the 
State. We are standing to-day on ground where great 
political campaigns have been planned since the organiza- 
tion of the State government. Not far from us stood the 
mansion of the first Clinton, and that of Jay and Van 
Vechten, and yonder was the house of Schuyler, within the 
rooms of which not only personal poUtical plans were ma- 
tured, but plans of wholesome State pohcy and legislation 
had their origin. In this mansion Hamilton wrote some of 
the best pages of the " Federalist," a work which stands pre- 
eminent for its far-seeing wisdom and is honored as the 
most powerful literary influence that was wielded in behalf 
of the Constitution. Whatever ground we here tread seems 

367 



consecrated to those primal principlesof legislation, jurispru- 
dence, fundamental laws and equitable systems which aided 
much in causing New York to be regarded as the Empire 
State of the Federal Union. 

We pass the Old Elm Tree Corner and memories of the 
Declaration of Independence, with all the thousand associa- 
tions of that event, come upon us, for there lived Philip 
Livingston, one of its signers. Among the many great 
political contests between the intellects of other days, which 
recollections of Albany bring up, is the one between De 
Witt Clinton and his opponents ; a contest which culminated 
in 1824, in his sudden removal, by a concurrent resolution 
of the Senate and Assembly, from the office of Canal 
Commissioner, which he held so long, with honor to himself 
and profit to the State. Few events of the past created 
such popular indignation as this ; and the ground on which 
we stand is rendered memorable by the immense gathering 
of people who came to express their dissatisfaction at this 
excessive measure of political warfare. To this great meet- 
ing came distinguished citizens from every part of the State. 
From the city of New York came the illustrious Irish 
lawyer, orator and exile, Thomas Addis Emmet; with him 
were other eminent sons of the metropolis. They came to 
express their regard for the man whose creative energy, great 
native ability and self-sacrifice, aided largely in creating those 
improvements that have given so much happiness and pros- 
perity to the people of this State ; their admiration for the 
man who took an appeal from the passions, prejudices and 
jealousies of his own time to the future for his reward, and 
whose appeal has been abundantly and grandly sustained. 

THE FAMOUS ALBANY REGENCY. 

In the midst of these scenes another citizen of Albany, a 
statesman of the Republic, a leader of a great party, was 
developing the force and power of his abilities. He was the 
leading spirit in the famous Albany Regency, which was as 
powerful here as was the Areopagus at Athens, the Decem- 
viri at Rome, the Council of Ten in Venice, or the famous 
Cabal in the reign of the Second Charles of England. This 
personage was Martin Van Buren, who wielded power with 
all the subtlety of a Richelieu, a Buckingham or a Halifax. 
With him were associated William L. Marcy, the first of 
American statesmen ; Benjamin F. Butler, the learned and 

368 



accomplished reviser of the statutes; and Edwin Croswell, 
whose trenchant pen in journahsm never found but one rival 
in the State. Amid the coUisions of Clinton and Tompkins, 
and the collisions between Clinton and his adversaries when 
Tompkins left the field, these master minds deepened the 
foundations of a party that ruled the State and largely the 
Nation for many years. Whatever were the faults of this 
regency, it was not a junta of petty politicians ; it was 
formed of men whose intellects placed them in the front 
rank of American statesmen and commanded the respect of 
men of all parties. What other city in the Nation, if we 
except Washington, has been the theatre of such political 
action and policy as that planned and carried into effect by 
this Albany Regency? It made Albany the home of a 
President, the home of Governors, of United States Sena- 
tors, Cabinet Ministers, Diplomats and Foreign Ambassa- 
dors ; for its influence was most extensive and controlling. 

A TRIBUTE TO ALBANY JOURNALISTS. 

A few years later and Albany was the home of another 
regency scarcely less powerful — a regency which largely 
aided in forming the great and now historical Whig Party, 
and whose activities afterward guided its destinies in the 
State and largely in the Nation. At the head of this regency 
stood Thurlow Weed, who might have said, "I am the 
Whig Party of the State of New York ! " with more force 
and with more truth than did Louis XIV. when he ex- 
claimed, " I am France ! " One who made journahsm his 
truncheon of political power ; one who, without personal 
ambition, caused the most ambitious and aspiring to ac- 
knowledge their fealty to him ere their own political schemes 
could succeed, or their pohtical ambition be gratified. What 
thoughtful man can walk the streets of Albany without call- 
ing up the remembrance of this prominent Albanian — this 
great Richelieu of State and National pohtics ; so perfectly 
acquainted with the temperament of the people ; knowing 
so well how to bear with their caprices, to foresee their 
wishes, awaken their sympathies and stimulate them to 
action. 

It was the fortune of Mr. Weed to encounter in his pohti- 
cal orbit another mind, gifted with equal powers of com- 
manding success ; quite as fortunate in possessing elements, 
serviceable at the time, for securing popular favor. The 

369 



struggle was what might have been expected from the colh- 
sion of two such powerful antagonists. It rendered Albany 
the center of a prolonged newspaper warfare unequaled in 
the history of the Nation. Both men had surprising quick- 
ness of thought ; they seemed to invent arguments and to 
pour out their views and arrive at conclusions almost in- 
stinctively. Many of their editorials were written during the 
night preceding pubHcation, without correction or previous 
preparation ; yet they compared favorably with the more 
elaborate compositions of the magazines. It is singular that 
what they did on so short notice bore so few marks of haste. 
Mr. Weed's editorials were brief, sharp, incisive ; their etiect 
was like the quick thrust of a rapier ; while Mr. Croswell's 
words were as plain as those of Swift, as piercing and con- 
vincing as those of Junius. His editorials had that perfect 
union of elegance and strength, logical finish, and a refined 
intensity of argument which always told with effect. Intim- 
ately associated with the work of Croswell, and in fact his 
successor, was one whose name will always be held in affec- 
tionate and honored remembrance — the genial, the brilliant, 
the accomplished William Cassidy. 

ANOTHER NOTED NAME. 

There was another name connected with this latter 
regency, that of William H. Seward, who often declared 
that Albany was his second home. It was here he arose 
from one position of political eminence to another, from 
a State Senator to the Executive Chair of the State ; from 
thence to the Senate of the Nation, and then to become 
Premier of a Presidential Cabinet. On his return from his 
notable journey around the world he said Albany, next to 
his own loved Auburn, was a resting-place from his toils, the 
center of memories which left their impress on almost every 
page of the history of his life. Upon his death it was fitting 
that the Legislature of the State joined, as it did, with the 
citizens of this city in honoring his memory by an appro- 
priate memorial service, held in the North Reformed Dutch 
Church, April i8, 1873, at which the distinguished orator, 
Charles Francis Adams, delivered a most eloquent and able 
address. Albany is everywhere full of the recollections of 
men great in its own history, great in the history of the 
State, and great in the history of the Nation. We open one 
page of history and there is recorded the career of William 

370 



L. Marcy ; another page is adorned by the great name of 
Horatio Seymour, a name that will ever grow brighter and 
more illustrious as the years pass by. 

Here has been the permanent location of the Legislature 
or law-making department of the State for nearly a century. 
P'or good or for evil the laws which have been here enacted 
have made their impress upon the history and affected the 
destiny of our Commonwealth. Whatever of them have 
aided to safely, wisely and successfully guide and administer 
the affairs of this great State — a State which in its extent, 
resources and power is almost a Nation of itself — may be 
attributable in part to the wholesome influence of the local 
associations which have surrounded this law-abiding and 
peace-loving city. 

MEMORIES OF THE OLD CAPITOL. 

Near the very spot where we stand the corner-stone of the 
Old Capitol was laid in 1806 by PhiHp S. Van Rensselaer, who 
was the Mayor of the city, in the presence of the Chancellor, 
the judges of the higher courts and prominent citizens. To 
this Old Capitol, first occupied in 1S08, came over nine 
hundred Senators and over five thousand Assemblymen 
during the whole period of its use. What a multitude of 
law-makers ! The elder of them have long since been 
gathered to the homes of their ancestors, and those who 
survive have, during this anniversary week, assembled here 
in large numbers to unite with you in this demonstration. 
The Old Capitol has gone, with all its pleasant associations 
and tender memories. How frequently its walls resounded 
with brilliant legislative oratory and parliamentary debate ! 
There were often heard the voices of Tallmadge, Butler, 
Emmet, Seward, Dix, Seymour and a hundred others whose 
names come crowding upon our memories. Twice on its 
steps stood the immortal Webster, in 1844 and in 1851, and 
addressed the citizens of Albany in that grand eloquence, 
never equaled in modern times, and seldom excelled in the 
best efforts of the famous orators of antiquity. Hear him as 
he exclaimed to the young men of the city : " Go on, 
young men of Albany; early manhood is the chief prop and 
support, the great reliance and hope for the perservation of 
public liberty and the institutions of the land. It looks for- 
ward to a long life of honor or dishonor ; and it means that 
it shall, by the blessing of God, be a life of honor, usefulness 

371 



and success in all the professions and pursuits of life ; in all 
that would bring happiness and prosperity to your beautiful 
city. You are manly ; you are bold ; you fear nothing but 
to do wrong — dread nothing but to be recreant to your 
country." 

THE NEW CAPITOL. 

In the place of the old building the State has erected and 
is now engaged in completing a new Capitol. (I venture 
to indulge in the hope that it may be fully completed by 
your next Centennial Day.) While it has occupied many 
long years in its construction, and has cost up to the 
present time about seventeen millions of dollars, and while it 
has many defects and might well have been better adapted 
to the practical uses of the State, yet, admitting all these 
things, it is one of the most important structures upon the 
continent. Its appearance is grand and imposing ; its 
splendid architecture, in some respects, equals anything in 
the world ; its magnificent corridors, its unrivaled stairways, 
its beautiful legislative chambers, its admirable court-rooms 
and elegant public ofifices, render it, all in all, the greatest 
of modern buildings. I make the prediction that if it shall 
be permitted to be finished according to the designs pro- 
posed by its present able and most accomplished architect 
and builder, it will be an ornament not only to the city, but 
to the State and country as well, and will provide the State 
with a Capitol of which all its citizens may justly be proud. 

PROVERBIAL HOSPITALITY. 

The patriotism and hospitality of the citizens of Albany 
have been proverbial from its early history. I can speak 
without reserve upon this subject, not being a resident of 
your city, but having only an official habitation among you. 
The stranger has ever found a most cordial welcome at the 
homes of your citizens and the right hand of fellowship is 
always extended. The State officers, the judges of your 
courts, the thousands of prominent citizens from all parts of 
the State who have respectively served in the Legislature 
during the century just closing and passed their winters here, 
can testify their appreciation of the innumerable acts of 
kindness, the unafiected politeness, the pleasant courtesies 
and the genuine hospitality of which they have been the 

372 



grateful recipients at the hands of the good people of this 
Capitol City. The brilliant receptions of the Fort Orange 
Club, given in later years upon every memorable occasion 
and extended not only to the most distinguished men of the 
Nation visiting Albany, but annually to the Legislature of 
the State, have established for your city a reputation for 
elegant civilities and generous entertainment to your visitors 
as far-famed as it is deserved. 'I'he liberal and hospitable 
spirit to which I refer, manifested itself as early as General 
Washington's visit to Albany on June 27, 1782, when he was 
presented by the city authorities witli the freedom of the 
city and an address of welcome, " the document being con- 
tained in a gold box." The bells of all the churches were 
rung, a salute of thirteen guns was fired from the fort, and 
at night the city was illuminated. Afterwards, on the occa- 
sion of another visit of General Washington, accompanied 
by Governor CHnton, on July 19, 1783, they were received 
as the guests of the city, and invited by the Common Council 
to a public dinner, which they accepted, " the city officers 
going in a body to the inn of Hugh Denniston, where an 
address was presented to the Commander-in-Chief of the 
United States Army," to which Washington responded, say- 
ing, among other things: "While I contemplate with irre- 
pressible pleasure the future tranquillity and glory of our 
common country, I cannot but take a peculiar interest in the 
anticipation of the increase in prosperity and greatness of 
this ancient and respectable city of Albany, from whose 
citizens I have received such distinguished tokens of their 
approbation and affection." Forty-two years afterwards 
Albany welcomed to her borders the compatriot of Washing- 
ton, the immortal La Fayette, who arrived in the city from 
Vermont on July i, 1825, accompanied by the Governor of 
the State and a military escort from Troy. At four o'clock 
in the afternoon a dinner was served in his honor by the 
citizens in the Capitol, at which Judge Story and Daniel 
Webster of Boston, John Woodworth, Ambrose Spencer 
and Stephen Van Rensselaer are mentioned among the 
guests of distinction, and among the toasts was the following, 
proposed by La Fayette himself: "Albany as I have known 
it, and Albany as it is now — a comparative standard 
between royal guardianship and the self-government of the 
people; may this difference be more and more illustrated at 
home and understood abroad." Upon the same occasion 

373 



Daniel Webster proposed this toast : " The ancient and 
hospitable city of Albany ; where General La Fayette found 
his head-quarters in 1778, and where men of his principles 
find good quarters at all times." 

The hospitality to which I refer has endeared Albany to 
all the Governors of the State, and to none more than to my 
immediate predecessor, who, upon every occasion, has kindly 
referred to the pleasantness of his home when here among 
you, and the warm place that Albany ever holds in his 
memory. That esteem and that warmth of recollection have 
led him to come here to-day to join with you in rejoicings, 
and as the Chief Magistrate of the Nation to honor the cele- 
bration of the beginning of the third century of your life as 
a city. And with him he has brought to the home of the 
distinguished Secretary of the Treasury two others, honored 
members of his Cabinet, to all of whom the citizens of Al- 
bany and all here assembled extend a most cordial welcome. 

THE GREAT SANITARY BAZAAR. 

The patriotism exhibited by the citizens of Albany during 
the war of the Rebellion needs no eulogy at my hands. 
The pen of history has well performed the noble task of re- 
cording the important part which tliis city took in that 
memorable contest. Being the seat of the State govern- 
ment, it was early made a military rendezvous — ordinary 
business was greatly suspended ; its streets resounded with 
the tread of armed men ; tlie appeals of the government 
were loyally answered, and in the matter of voluntary con- 
tributions for the comfort of our soldiers and their families, 
and for the sick and wounded in camps and hospitals, the 
citizens of Albany manifested the greatest liberality during 
the entire period of the struggle, and poured forth their 
treasures like water. It was in part due to the extraordinary 
exertions of your local officials in aiding the efforts of the 
State administration in the prompt raising of troops, that it 
was the glory of New York to be enabled to be always in 
advance of the calls upon her by the government for men. 
In the endeavors which were made to provide for the fami- 
lies of soldiers needing assistance, a committee was appointed 
to raise a fund called the " Citizens' Military Relief Fund," 
and this was soon supplemented by the " Ladies' Army Re- 
lief Association of Albany," which was organized in Novem 
ber, 1 86 1, to co-operate with the United States Sanitary 

374 



Commission in aid of the sick and womided, the first presi- 
dent of such association being the wife of Governor Morgan, 
and its first executive committee being composed of the 
leading ladies of the city. 

In the months of February and March, 1864, there was 
held in the city the great Sanitary Fair, in a beautiful build- 
ing erected for this special purpose in the Academy park, it 
being designated as " The Army ReHef Bazaar," and the 
credit for the organization of which belonged to the patriotic 
ladies of the Army Relief Association. On February 22, 
1864, the fair was inaugurated amid the greatest enthusiasm, 
before an immense audience and under brilliant auspices, an 
eloquent and appropriate introductory address being deliv- 
ered by the president of the fair, ex-Mayor George H. 
Thacher, the father of the present Mayor of this city, who 
so ably and gracefully presides upon this occasion, followed 
by an address from Horatio Seymour, then Governor of the 
State — the city and State then, as now, cordially uniting in 
all that conduces to the welfare and honor of the Capital 
City. Governor Seymour's remarks were, as usual, scholarly 
and most admirable, his opening sentences being as follows : 
" Upon a day sacred to the memory of our greatest and 
purest statesmen, upon a spot made famous by historical 
incidents, we meet for a purpose which appeals to our Hveli- 
est sympathy. It is fit that the capital of a great State which 
furnishes so large a share of the armies of the country, and 
which is so numerously represented amid the sick and 
wounded of our hospitals and among the graves of our 
battle fields should be prominent in eftbrts to soften the 
calamities of war. Upon this occasion the historical events 
connected with this city and the adjacent towns are brought 
back to our meniories." He then referred to several histori- 
cal matters of interest, and among other things mentioned 
the fact that the first colonial congress or convention presided 
over by Benjamin Franklin was held here, and said ; " This 
was the first distinct movement to a union among the colo- 
nies looking to strength and protection from united counsels 
and combined efforts. Thus Albany became the birth-place 
of our Union. In God's name, then, let it be upheld and 
cherished here. The first time that the stars and stripes 
were ever displayed upon our national banner — the first 
time that its emblems of State sovereignties and national 
unity were ever given to the winds of heaven — the first 

375 



time that that flag was ever displayed which now kindles the 
enthusiasm and patriotism of the American in whatever part 
of the world he may see it, and under whose folds; in devo- 
tion to its sacred import, a million of men have battled 
within the last three years — that flag was first borne into the 
dangers of the battle field in the defense of this city. It 
was "also first used to defeat an effort to divide the united 
colonies." * * * " This most formidable attempt " 
(which he had previously described), "upon our national 
existence, was defeated upon the plains of Saratoga, and the 
three-fold attack upon Albany was bafiied and defeated. It 
was in that battle of Saratoga that our national flag was first 
used. If we regard, then, the object for which we are 
assembled, and the relationship which that object bears to 
the union of our country and its glorious flag, we find that 
the associations which cluster around this spot are all in fit 
keeping, and well calculated to excite our interest and our 
enthusiasm." 

Albany's prominence in education and art. 
Your city has always stood in the front rank of those of 
our State and land in the excellence of its provisions for the 
education of its children. The common schools take a place 
second to none in the whole State, and the numerous insti- 
tutions of learning which had their origin in the public spirit 
of private citizens, attest the interest which has been taken 
in this most important feature of the growth of a well- 
organized city. The Albany Academy is one of the oldest 
incorporated institutions of learning in the United States, 
and has sent far and wide its pupils to fill with credit to you 
and to it the places of responsibility and usefulness in which 
their fellow-citizens have placed them. Over its teachings 
have presided such men as Beck, the author of the well- 
known work on medical jurisprudence which bears his 
name ; Bullions, the Latin and Greek grammarian, and 
Joseph Henry, the Henry now famous in history as the one 
who in that very academy was the first to practically demon- 
strate the availability of the principle of the magnetic tele- 
graph ; and from among the long array of the academy's 
students a hundred names come at once to your memory of 
those who have taken their stand among the citizens of New 
York, strong for the right and well-equipped to carry for- 
ward every just cause. The State Normal School, the first 

376 



institution of that character in the State, whose new home 
overlooks the freshness and beauty of Washington park, has 
furnished the primary schools of the State with many of their 
best teachers. The influences for lives of integrity and 
helpful service thrown about those thousands of pupils while 
their home was among you who have borne fruit in the good 
citizenship of multitudes of men and women about you and 
in distant towns and villages throughout the State whom 
these teachers, in their turn, have influenced. To the Al- 
bany Female Academy, incorporated in 1821, whose classic 
front for many years has stood a feature in the now busy 
thoroughfare of North Pearl street, have come the daughters 
of our own and neighboring States, going out from here to 
join that company of noble and educated women whose is 
the power that so greatly controls the destinies of our Re- 
public. And in this fraternity of schools there are younger 
members whose names and characteristics I will not stop to 
mention, who are, with their older companions, yearly add- 
ing to the renown of Albany as one of the most etfective 
educational centers of the State. 

The medical and legal professions of the State and county 
also have been, and continue to be, indebted to the schools 
of medicine and law, situated here, for many of their most 
active and able members. In the faculty of the Medical 
College have appeared the names of such honored Alba- 
nians as March, Armsby, Dean, who was also the author of 
a standard work on medical jurisprudence ; James Mc- 
Naughton, Townsend, Mosher and Vanderpoel, all now 
passed away, but succeeded by professors no less able and 
faithful in the work. The Law School has had among its 
instructors, who were Albanians, Ira Harris, Amos Dean, 
Amasa J. Parker, Isaac Edwards, and with them, at various 
times, have been associated many of the judges of our 
highest tribunals, whose homes temporarily or permanently 
have been in this city. 

Often as the birth-place, and often as the home of those 
skilled in art, with brush and with chisel, has Albany been 
famed. Their works on canvas, in marble and in bronze, 
are in every city in our land. In the notable collection of 
paintings and statuary appropriately gathered in the Acad- 
emy building, near at hand, Albany artists bear their part 
with honor and with praise. For half a century this has 
been the home of that distinguished among American 

377 



sculptors — Palmer — whose grandest work adorns, in all 
its majesty, your neighboring city of the dead. Here lived 
Ezra Ames, whose stately portrait of the great first Gov- 
ernor of the State, General George Clinton, has for years 
occupied a conspicuous place of honor in the Executive 
Chamber of the Capitol. Time would fail me to enumerate 
all these noted artists and all their works. What memories 
awaken at the names of Brown and Hartley, and Thompson 
and Calverly ; of Boughton, Elliott, Gay, the Harts, Inman, 
McGrath, Iwitchell, Ferguson and Kidd. And may those 
of our own years — Low, Martin, Lang, Palmer, Ochtman, 
Pennie, Engle, Davidson and the rest — fulfill the future 
that there works of to-day foreshadow. 

THE FUTURE OF ALBANY. 

What shall be said of the future of Albany ? That it will 
largely share in the prosperity, growth, honor and renown 
that surely awaits this progressive country of ours in the 
years which are to follow, may be safely predicted. That it 
will remain the proud capital of the Empire State as long as 
the State itself shall endure may well be anticipated. There 
are too many pleasant associations connected with yonder 
square ; too many glorious incidents of history have occured 
there ; too much treasure has been expended on yonder 
structure (the Capitol building) ; too many eloquent words 
have been uttered and noble deeds performed on this sacred 
spot to think for a single moment that the people of this 
State will ever consent to a change of its present seat of 
government. As well might we rudely snatch the infant 
from its mother's arms as to attempt to take away from this 
venerable city the designation as the capital which it has 
cherished, protected and prized for nearly a century. The 
oldest city in the State deserves this recognition of its merits, 
based upon its antiquity, even if upon nothing else. 

It has been said that Albany must necessarily be retarded 
or contracted in its growth, because it is not situated adjoin- 
ing the ocean or upon any of the great lakes. This is a 
mistake. Its natural advantages are ample and sufficient to 
ensure the greatest development, and, although not upon an 
ocean port, it is upon tide-water and upon a river capable 
of immense commerce. London is situated on the Thames 
sixty miles west from the sea. Paris is traversed by the 
Seine one hundred and eleven miles from its mouth on the 

378 



ocean. Philadelphia adjoins the Delaware ninety-six miles 
from the waters of the Atlantic. It is thus to be seen that 
natural advantages alone do not make great municipalities. 

No one can foresee the possibilities which are open before 
this large, busy manufacturing and commercial town. Wealth 
and intelligence your citizens already have. Trade and com- 
merce are here to remain, if properly fostered and protected. 
Labor is here without limit to build up your industries, if it 
is suitably rewarded. The facilities for liberal education are 
nowhere better or more abundant. Your free schools and 
your generous charities are the pride of the State. The 
fifty-seven spires of your churches, pointing to the heavens, 
attest the religious character and piety of a Christian com- 
munity. Your city has furnished to the religious world an 
illustrious Archbishop and Cardinal and several Bishops, for 
this place was the scene of the early ministrations of some 
as well as the present abode of others. The future of this 
city depends, as does that of every other community, much 
upon the enterprise, the thrift, the industry, the ambitions 
and the virtues of the people themselves. It can almost be 
truthfully said that a city is what its citizens make it. Its 
honor, its purity, its enterprise, its glory — in fact its whole 
character — is greatly in its ovvn keeping. A few leading 
citizens of public spirit and indomitable will can almost alone 
shape its fortunes and control its destinies. Even one 
resolute man alone can sometimes do much for good or evil 
in dictating the policy or progress of a municipality. 

The inflexible purpose and iron will of Napoleon made 
him a leader even in his youth, and led to his subsepuently 
being made the Emperor of France. The scholarly and 
eloquent Wendell Phillips thus relates an interesting incident 
in the life of the Emperor, and says that : " We are apt to 
trace his control of France to some noted victory, to the 
time when he camped in the Tuilleries, or when he dissolved 
the Assembly by the stamp of his foot. He reigned, in fact, 
when his hand was first felt on the helm of the vessel of 
State, and that was far back of the time when he had con- 
quered in Italy, or his name had been echoed over two 
continents. It was on the day when five hundred irresolute 
men were met in that Assembly, which called itself and pre- 
tended to be the Government of France. They heard that 
the mob of Paris was coming the next morning, thirty 
thousand strong, to turn them, as was usual in those days, 

379 



out of doors. And where did this seemingly great power go 
for its support and refuge ? They sent Tallien to seek out 
a boy Heutenant — the shadow of an officer — so thin and 
paUid that, when he was placed on the stand before them, 
President of the Assembly, fearful, if the fate of France 
rested on the slight form, the pale cheek before him, that all 
hope was gone, asked : ' Young man, can you protect the 
Assembly ? ' And the stern lips of the reserved and digni- 
fied Corsican boy parted only to reply : ' I always do what 
I undertake.' Then and there Napoleon may be deemed 
to have ascended his throne and the next day, from the 
steps of St. Roche, thundered forth the cannon which taught 
the mob of Paris for the first time that it had a master. That 
was, indeed, the commencement of the empire." 

ALBANY ALWAYS DOES WELL. 

Citizens of Albany, I cannot pay you a higher compli- 
ment upon this occasion than to say that from the time you, 
through your forefathers, first demanded from kingly power 
a royal charter for this city, and secured it ; and later sought 
to keep and bravely kept that city free from British subjection 
and control during substantially the whole Revolutionary 
period, and, later still, you aspired to make that beloved city 
the capital of your State and accomplished it ; down to the 
eventful period when Albany capitalists projected the first 
railroad ever constructed in the State, if not in the country, 
and successfully built it from Schenectady to this place ; and 
during recent years in the planning and laying out by your 
public-spirited officials of those magnificent grounds in the 
western part of the city known as Washington park, which, 
although not great in extent, are unsurpassed for beauty and 
taste in the whole country ; and in founding, by private 
munificence, of the far-famed Dudley Observatory, which is 
an honor and credit to the city, and a noble contribution to 
science ; in the designing and construction of yonder stately 
City Hall, one of the architectural successes of the age ; in 
the institution and successful maintenance in your city of 
one of the oldest banking institutions in the country ; in the 
organization and continuance, for over fifty years, of that 
renowned military organization known as the " Burgesses 
Corps," which has participated in nearly every prominent 
patriotic celebration that has occurred in our State and 
country during its existence ; in the increase of its railroad 

-.80 



facilities ; in the rise, progress and development of the com- 
mercial, manufacturing and industrial interests of the city ; 
in all these varied achievements the citizens of Albany have 
illustrated that Napoleonic spirit to which I have referred, 
and grandly done whatever they have undertaken. The 
success which attends this magnificent celebration of to-day 
is only another evidence that you have faithfully performed 
what you undertook to do, and demonstrates what Albany 
can accomplish when it is fully aroused and its old Dutch 
blood is stirred, especially when patriotically assisted by 
Irish enthusiasm, German zeal, Yankee ingenuity and the 
kind efforts of those of every other nationality — American 
citizens all — who are proud to call this venerable city their 
home. 

In all the years of its past history, this city has been com- 
pamtively free from pestilence ; it has escaped the horrors 
of famine ; no great adversity has overtaken it ; its citizens 
have enjoyed the blessings of health, prosperity and abun- 
dance ; kind Providence has watched over its destinies with 
tender care, and it is peculiarly fitting, in the light of these 
manifestations of Divine favor, that the people should give 
thanks to the Great Ruler of the Universe, and that we 
should mingle our prayers and rejoicings together : 

" Let the heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad." 

" Let the floods clap their hands ; let the hills be joyful together." 

" Let the field be joyful and all that is therein, then shall all the trees 

of the wood rejoice." 

" Let the sea roar and the fullness thereof; the world and they that 

dwell tlierein." 

GLORIOUS MEMORIES OF THE DAY. 

Every expression of rejoiciug this day given is an evidence 
of your gratitude for all these blessings ; they are also your 
tribute of respect to the many heroes who constituted your 
early settlers. Every bell that rang out on this morning air was 
in remembrance of the virtues of those who secured your 
chartered rights in the days of 1686. Every rocket that 
shoots up into the heavens is in honor of the soldiers who 
periled their lives in defense of your city behind the barri- 
cade of old Fort Orange. Every cannon that belches forth 
its thunder tones speaks praises in behalf of the brave men 
and earnest women who have preserved for you the priceless 
heritage of your city's freedom during the past two hundred 
years. Every banner that is grandly spread in the breeze, 

381 



every beautiful decoration that adorns your homes or places 
of business, every display of your citizen soldiery, every im- 
posing procession that is formed in your streets, every gun 
that is fired, every bugle note that is sounded, every flag 
that is unfurled, every song that is sung, every eloquent 
word that is uttered — all these are the tokens of your ap- 
preciation of the achievements of your patriotic Revolution- 
ary sires, of the inestimable value of municipal independence 
and chartered rights, and of all the glorious memories which 
cluster around this Bi-Centennial Day. 

As the orator concluded, the large assemblage rose 
and applauded. 

In response to repeated calls from among the 
audience, and which soon became general, President 
Cleveland, addessing them, said : 

" Citizens of Albany : I came here to-day as an invited 
guest to a family reunion. I desire to be modest and not 
mingle too freely in the congratulations and celebrations 
which belong more properly to you. I do not wish to 
sound a single note of discord, but I have heard so much 
of the Dutch, and of this being a Dutch city, so much talk 
of the olden time and of its customs, that when I remember 
that I dwelt two years among you, I wonder whether I am 
in the right place or not. At the risk of creating discord- 
ance, I will say that in my time Dutch was not the language 
of the town. The people spoke English, and to me words 
in English of kindness that I shall never forget. I am glad, 
however, that you got your charter. When I lived here I 
think you also had a charter, but, according to my remem- 
brance, it was a charter passed by the Legislature of the 
State in the first year I spent here and approved by me. I 
must not detain you longer, but I cannot refrain from express- 
ing to you my appreciation of the kindness with which you 
have received me, and from repeating the homely and old- 
fashioned wish — may the citizens of Albany and their 
descendants see many happy returns of the day." 

He was followed by Secretary Bayard, who said : 
" Ladies and Gentlemen, Citizens of Albany : I 
thank you most profoundly for your kindness in thus recog- 
nizing my presence among you. I came here as the friend 

.-.82 



and companion of one whom it is my honor and pleasure 
to assist in the administration of our pubHc affairs. It is my 
further pleasure as an American citizen to take part in the 
commemoration of honorable American traditions that so 
frequently take place in all parts of our country, and I 
rejoice to see them so worthily celebrated here. I have 
something in my traditional ancestry of the blood of the 
early Dutch founders of this city, and I thank you for the 
opportunity of saying so." 

Secretary Whitney being loudly called for, re- 
sponded, saying: 

" I will occupy but a moment of your time, ladies and 
gentlemen, in expressing to you that which must be the 
common sentiment of every one present inspired by such a 
beautiful day, by such a gathering of people, and by the 
interesting exercises at which we have been present for 
several hours. It is an additional pleasure to have the 
opportunity of thanking you for the courtesy shown us and 
of saying that I shall bear away grateful recollections of the 
reception we have received this afternoon. Nothing more 
than this expression, I am sure, is called for from me." 

The programme ended with the audience singing 
"America," in chorus with the orchestra and Bi-cen- 
tennial chorus. 

The Legislative Reunion. 

the reunion a decided success — a large 
attendance. 

The legislative reunion proved one of the most 
notable of the many features of the grand celebra- 
tion. Parlor fifty-seven at the Delevan house was 
thronged with members and ex-members of the Leg- 
islature. 

AN INFORMAL REUNION. 

The informal reunion was a most enjoyable and 
agreeable affair, and it was the unanimous voice of 
those present that Albany had added greatly to her 

383 



renown for hospitality. The members reviewed the 
procession from the spacious appartments assigned 
them, and subsequently were escorted to the rink by 
Col. Parker and the Troy Citizens' Corps, where they 
listened to the interesting exercises. At the close of 
these ceremonies they returned to the Delavan. In 
the evening they paid their respects to President 
Cleveland and Governor Hill at the capitol. 

The following members reported : Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor Jones, Assemblyman M. F. Collins, Assembly- 
man J. Stanley Browne, Assemblyman Fremont Cole, 
Assemblyman H. J. Coffey, Assemblyman John C. 
Hogeboom, Assemblyman Thomas McCarthy, As- 
semblyman Stephen T. Hopkins, Assemblyman John 
Barnes, Senator Edward S. Esty, Assemblyman C. 
M. Titus, St. Lawrence county; Assemblyman L. E. 
Bowen, Otsego county ; Assemblyman W. F. Taylor, 
Rensselaer county; Assemblyman John Buckman, 
Kings county; Assemblyman " Uncle" David Grey, 
Oneida county; Assemblyman N. M. Curtis, St. 
Lawrence county ; Assemblyman D. S. Potter, 
Saratoga county ; Assemblyman E. P. Hagan, New 
York; Assemblyman Norton Chase, Albany; As- 
semblyman Thomas H. Tremper, Kingston ; ex-Sena- 
tor John Van Schaick, Cobleskill ; Senator M. C. 
Murphy, New York ; Asssemblyman James E. Mor- 
rison, New York; Assemblyman Alex. Robertson, 
Albany ; Assemblyman Thomas Kearney, Albany ; 
Assemblyman R. C. Blackall, Albany ; Assemblyman 
Robert Frazier, Oneida county; Assemblyman 
George W. Greene, Orange county ; Assemblyman 
Wm. Dalton, New York; Assemblyman A. T. Ackert, 

384 



Dutchess county ; Assemblyman Alfred E. Stacey, 
Onondaga county ; Senator James Arkell, Canajo- 
harie ; Senator John Raines, Canandaigua; Senator 
Francis Hendricks, Syracuse ; Senator Henry A. Fos- 
ter (1 83 1, '32, '33, '34, '41, '42, '43, '44) ; Senator Chas. 
F. Barager, Tioga county; Senator William Voor- 
his, Rockland county ; Senator Charles L. Knapp, 
Lowville ; Senator H. J. Coggeshall, Oneida county; 
Senator Peter S. Danforth, Schoharie county; Sen- 
ator Andrew J. Colvin, Albany; Senator George 
S. Nichols, Greene county ; Senator Lorenzo D. Col- 
lins, Albany county ; Senator Charles Hughes, Wash- 
ington county ; Assemblymen Frank B. Arnold, Ot- 
sego county; Charles A. Chickering, Lewis county; 
William Lewis, Delaware county ; Thomas Farrelh 
Brooklyn ; Thomas Dickson, Troy ; Peter Schoon- 
maker, Albany county; Ed. D. Cutler, Schenectady 
county ; Francis H. Woods, Albany county ; Frank 
W. Vosburgh, Albany county; R. W. Evans, Oneida 
county ; John N. Foster, Albany county ; George W- 
Clarke, New York ; D. L. Boardman, Troy ; William 
S. Clark, Schoharie county; Charles Brewster, Scho- 
harie county ; Robert H. Smith, Orange county ; L 
D. Leverich, Seneca county ; Diedrich Willers, jr., 
Seneca county ; R. A. Derrick, Rensselaer county ; 
C. D. Fellows, Otsego county; Andrew Blessing, 
New York; James J. Graham, Orange county (1849, 
'66, '77, '78); H. A. Phillips, Lewis county; A. S. 
Draper, Albany county ; Perrin A. McGraw, Cort- 
land county; E. J. Shelley, New York; W. F. Shee- 
han, Erie county ; Daniel Bradley, Kings county ; 
Wm. M. Donald, Saratoga county; J. H. Manville, 

385 



VV^ashington county ; O. F. Potter, Albain^ county ; 
VV. D. Gorsline, Herkimer county; John P. Windolph, 
New York ; Charles D. Baker, Steuben county; H. 

C. Gifford, Rensselaer county ; A. G. Allen, Waverly ; 
F. Sanderson, Sidney Centre ; C. C. Lodewick, Rens- 
selaer county ; William Brooks, Otsego count}' ; 
Wm. W. Lawson, Erie county; A. H. Baker, Erie 
county; D. H. Roche, Kings county; J. W. Chese- 
bro, Albany county; John Tighe, Albany county; 
John McShea, Schenectady county : R. G. Havens, 
Schoharie county; J. H. Brown, Schoharie county; 
Wm. H. Singerland, Albany county ; E. B. Osborn, 
Dutchess county ; Andrew A. Mather, Otsego county ; 
Fordyce L. Laflin, Ulster county; Charles R. Skinner* 
Jefferson county; Shotwell Powell, Ontario county; 
Charles H. Krack, Ulster county; William T. 
Miles, Rensselaer county ; F. B. Freligh, Ulster 
county; Wm. P. Moores, Clinton county; Senators 
George B. Sloan, Oswego county; J. W. Hoysradt, 
Columbia county ; E. F. Reilly, New York ; Assem- 
blymen T. J. Hardin, Albany county; John B. Van 
Pelt, Herkimer county ; John E. Gillette, Columbia 
county; A. L. Schermerhorn, Columbia county; 
Isaac L. Hunt, jr., Jefferson county; John J. Piatt, 
Dutchess county; D. Beckman, Schoharie county; 
Jas. Shanahan, Montgomery count}' ; James R. Snell, 
Montgomery county: William I. Perry, Washington 
county; George M. Voorhees, Montgomery county; 

D. M. Westfall, Washington county; John M. Kim- 
ball, Albany county ; Henr}' D. Hotchkiss, Kings 
county; Homer N. Lockwood, Cayuga county; 
James D. Decker, Sulli\'an county; Benjamin Hall, 

386 



Oneida county; Aaron B. Pratt, Albany county; L. 
C. G. Kshinka, Albany county; Amos Miller, Col- 
umbia county; Tobias Buck, Schoharie county; J. 
F. Crawford, Albany county ; James Oliver, New 
York ; Thomas Liddle, Montgomery county. 



The Municipal Reception. 

brilliant scenes in the magnificent senate 
chamber — the distinguished guests present. 

The municipal reception was held in the evening in 
the senate chamber in honor of President Cleveland 
and Secretaries Manning, Bayard and Whitney, and was 
the most pleasant kind of an informal gathering. The 
seats of the senators and reporters had been removed, 
leaving the entire room unobstructed for the occasion. 
Palms and ferns decorated the lieutenant-governor's 
desk as well as the clerks' circle, giving a tropical 
appearance to the room. Shortly after nine o'clock 
the President and ex-Mayor A. Bleecker Banks 
appeared, followed by Secretaries Manning, Bay- 
ard and Whitney and Governor Hill and staff and 
Mayor Thacher. The President, looking unchanged 
since his residence in Washington, seemed in the best 
of humor, and received his many Albany friends with 
a warmth of greeting characteristic of his easy man- 
ner. For over an hour and a half the stream of 
callers continued, and included State officials, mem- 
bers and ex-members of the Legislature and prominent 
guests of the city. 



387 



DISTINGUISHED PERSONS PRESENT. 

The President stood directly in front of the clerk's 
desk. On his left stood Mayor Thatcher, and to his 
right Governor Hill and Secretaries Bayard and Whit- 
ney. Back of him were Hon. Francis Kernan, Col. 
Daniel S. Lamont and Lieutenant-Governor Jones. 
Among the distinguished out-of-town guests and state 
officers were Hon. John B. Manning, of Buffalo ; Sec- 
retary of State Cook, Comptroller Alfred C. Chapin, 
Attorney-General O'Brien, Superintendent of Insur- 
ance Robert A. Maxwell, Forestry Commissioner 
Townsend Cox, ex-Judge of the Court of Claims 
Lyman H. Northrup, ex-Senator Edward F. Esty, 
Senators Henry J. Coggeshall, Edward Wemple, 
Amasa J. Parker, jr., John Raines, Assemblymen 
Alden W. Berry, Terence L Hardin, A. G. Allen, 
Colonel Samuel J.Tilden, jr.. Judge George M. Beebe, 
Judge Alton B. Parker, Gen. Newton M. Curtis, 
Adjutant-General Josiah Porter, General James W. 
Husted, Charles C. Ely, of Owego, Assemblymen 
Little and Charles M. Titus, Regent Daniel Beach, 
William H. McElroy, Deputy Attorney-Generals E. 
G. Whittaker and Charles F. Tabor, Judge Charles R. 
Miller, Judge William L. Mueller. 

The attendance of gentlemen from Albany in- 
cluded : E:x-Mayor A. B. Banks, Robert D. Williams, 
J. Townsend Lansing, Simon W. Rosendale, Alderman 
Hitt, Dr. Lewis Balch, Dr. Samuel B. Ward, William 
H. Johnson, Frederick C. Manning, Hon. D. Cady 
Herrick, John E. McElroy, Judge Amasa J. Parker, 
Herman H. Russ, Rev. Joseph Paige Davis, William H. 
Haskell, Scott D'M. Goodwin, Irving F. Cragin, Dr. 

388 



John B. Stonehouse, William W. Hill, John G. Mc- 
Elroy, Colonel John S. McEwan, Captain McKeever, 
L. C. G. Kshinka, Albert Goodwin, George Douglass 
Miller, Nathaniel C. Moak, Hon. A. B. Pratt, W. W. 
Crannell, Monroe Crannell, Dr. Albert L. Watkins, 
Isaac Schell, Goodwin Brown, Hugh Reilly, Mark 
Colin, Hon. Andrew Hamilton. 

RECEPTION AT THE FORT ORANGE CLUB. 

The subjoined invitation had been quite generally 
distributed : " Fort Orange club, reception. The honor 
of your company is requested at the club-house, on 
Thursday evening, July 22, 1886, from nine until 
twelve o'clock. Bi-centennial day of the city of 
Albany, 1 686-1 886." 

A very delightful reception was so given to Presi- 
dent Cleveland and Governor Hill at the Fort Orange 
club at the conclusion of the public reception to the 
President in the senate chamber. It was half past ten 
when the President left the capitol, and on his arrival 
at the club-house he found most of the members had 
already assembled. The reception here was of an 
entirely informal character, and the invited guests 
included only gentlemen of prominence visiting in 
the city. No ladies were present, and if the scene 
lost the charm of their conversation and the brilliancy 
of their toilets, it was made necessary by the limited 
time at the disposal of the President. An orchestra 
rendered appropriate selections during the evening, 
and the decorations were artistically designed and 
excellently carried out. After all present had paid 
their respects to the eminent guests, in whose honor 

389 



the reception was given, the President and Governor 
were ushered into the supper room, where an elabo- 
rate collation was served. The table was decorated 
with the exquisite art which has made this club 
famous wherever its hospitality is known. Flowers 
and ferns served to bring out in stronger relief the 
glitter of the crystal and silver and the beauty of the 
viands. One novel feature in the decoration was the 
individual bouquet holders at each plate. These were 
in the form of lions, of porcelain, drawing a small 
vase upon wheels. On the face of the vase was an 
excellent photographic likeness of President Cleve- 
land. All of the guests preserved these holders as 
mementoes of the occasion. 

THE GUEST.S. 

Among the invited guests present were Secretaries 
Bayard and Whitney, Senator J. W. Hoysradt, ex- 
Senator Edward F. Esty, Governor Hill's staff, in 
uniform ; Gen. R. S. Oliver and his staff, in uniform ; 
Dairy Commissioner J. K. Brown, ex-Mayor Murphy, 
of Troy ; Congressman Timothy J. Campbell, of 
New York ; Assemblyman John I. Piatt, of Pough- 
keepsie ; Hon. William E. Smith, of Plattsburgh ; 
ex-Minister to France Levi P. Morton, of New York ; 
Assemblyman Hotchkiss, of Brooklyn ; Hon. Henry 
S. Hyde, ex-Governor Eliphalet Trask and Henry F. 
Trask, of Springfield ; J. V. Newcomb and W. W. 
Newcomb, of New York; Edgar Wendell and S. O. 
Gleason, of Troy ; Killian Van Rensselaer and ex- 
Assemblyman James Oliver, of New York; ex-Speaker 
Titus Sheard, of Little P'alls ; Civil Service Commis- 



390 



missioner Augustus Schoonmaker of Kingston ; Dr. 
Grinnell, of Burlington, Vt. ; Assemblyman N. M. 
Curtis, Judge Hooper C. Van Vorst, of New York ; 
ex-Sentor John Van Schaick, of Cobleskill ; William 
Richardson, of New York ; Senator Francis Hen- 
dricks, of Syracuse ; Assemblyman S. D. Leverick, 
of Seneca county ; Regent Daniel Beach of Watkins ; 
Deputy State Treasurer Eliott Danforth, of Bain- 
bridge ; Senator Andrew C. Stone, of Massachusetts ; 
O. Carleton Sunde, and J. C. Elliott, of the New 
York Daily Press; Mayor Joseph M. Johnson, of 
Binghamton, and many others. 

Among the members of the club present were the 
following: Richard L. Annesley, C. E. Argensinger, 
J. M. Bailey, Lewis Balch, A. Bleecker Banks, Robert 
Lenox Banks, Edwin C. Baxter, D. C. Bennett, 
Edward Bowditch, J. P. Boyd, John E. Bradley, Jonas 
H. Brooks, W. Howard Brown, Charles J. Buchanan, 
W. VV. Byington, William R. Cassidy, E. T. Cham- 
berlain, Ledyard Cogswell, Erastus Corning, E. 
Countryman, William H. Craig, Charles G. Craft, 
Paul Cushman, Harry C. Cushman, Walter Dickson, 
James K. Dunscomb, J. G. Farnsworth, Douw H. 
Fonda, R. W. Gibson, Anthony Gould, William Gould, 
jr., F. E. Griswold, E. F. Hackett, Matthew Hale, 
Henry Hun, Marcus T. Hun, Charles E Jones, Frank- 
lin Jones, Wm. Kidd, Howard J. King, Rufus H. King, 
Leonard Kip, Abraham Lansing, E. J. Larrabee, W. L. 
Learned, Daniel Leonard, Henry C. Littlefield, Charles 
C. Lodewick, Thomas McCredie, jr., James McCredie, 
John McDonald, John McEwen, James McNaughton, 
W. E. Millbank, Peyton F. Miller, Samuel L. Munson, 



391 



Elijah W, Murphy, John G. Myers, Edward Newcomb, 
Dudley Olcott, Robert S. Oliver, Amasa J. Parker, 
Amasa J. Parker jr., John D. Parsons, jr., R. W. 
Peckham, John S. Perry, John T. Perry, H. R, Pierson, 
jr., Jesse W. Potts, J. V. L. Pruyn, J. H. Quinby, 
Clarence Rathbone, John F. Rathbone, J. H. Rice, 
S. W. Rosendale, Grange Sard, Charles G. Saxe, 
Frank J. Saxe, John A. Sleicher, H. E. Sickels, N. E. 
Sisson, Edwy L. Taylor, Henry J. Ten Eyck, J. H. 
Ten Eyck, John B. Thacher, Lemon Thompson, J 
W. Tillinghast, E. B. Toedt, S. B. Towner, Frederick 
Townsend, James F. Tracey, Charles Tracey, Luther 
H. Tucker, T. J. Van Alstyne. J. H. Van Antwerp, 
R. L. Vandenburgh, W. B. Van Rensselaer, A. Van 
Vechten, A. Van Vechten, jr., Samuel B. Ward, J. 
M. Warner, James D. Wasson, George S. Weaver, 
D. W. Wemple, W. M. Whitney, W. M. Whitney, jr., 
Robert D. Williams, James C. Wing, Albert J. Wing, 
James Otis Woodward, Edwin Young. 

THE DEPARTURE OF THE PRESIDENT. 
The festivities were hardly opened when the Presi- 
dent was obliged to make his adieus to his hosts of 
the evening. Shortly after midnight, with Secretaries 
Bayard and Whitney and Private Secretary Lamont, 
he left the club-house amid the heartiest god-speeds. 
He was driven to the West Shore depot, where a 
special train was waiting to carry him to Washington. 
President Cleveland expressed himself as delighted 
with his brief visit. He always cherished the fondest 
memories of Albany, and was both surprised and 
pleased to see the royal and enthusiastic manner in 



392 



which her Bi-centennial was celebrated. Secretaries 
Bayard and Whitney also declared themselves charmed 
with the hospitality of the city. 

The Pyrotechnic Display, 
a vast concourse of fifty thousand. 

The spectacle witnessed at Washington park at 
night possessed merit and attraction for ev^ery one. 
No better spectacle had ever been seen in Albany, 
A crowd of immense proportions greeted the first 
rocket with cheers. Long before the time for the affair 
to commence a crowd surged around the ropes strung 
up to enclose the space set apart for the pieces. A 
careful estimate showed that there were fully fifty 
thousand people who witnessed the scene. The police 
had the greatest difficulty in keeping people out of 
the enclosure long enough to get started. Only by 
telling those next to the ropes that they were in great 
danger could the crowd be kept back. At first only 
the common council, the police and the press were 
allowed to go within the rope, but this bound was 
soon overstepped. By dark everything was in perfect 
readiness, all the pieces mounted and set, and no 
delay was experienced in getting the display started. 
The first pieces, though of minor importance, called 
forth immense applause. The shells began their 
flight into the air, and when the showers of beautiful 
colored balls of fire, the gold rain, the floating animals 
commenced to be evolved from them, the crowds 
settled down to enjoy the scene. 



393 



The four great pieces, Dongan handing the charter 
to Schuyler, the landing of Hendrick Hudson, the 
city coat-of-arms, and Niagara Falls, were excellent. 
Their beauty cannot be told. Raised up at a height 
of forty feet, they could easily be seen by every one. 
The applause for them was universal. The different 
displays numbered one hundred and seven. 

After the spectacle was ended the vast crowd started 
down the hills. All the avenues leading in that 
direction were blocked for an hour and a half. 



394 



SUBSCRIHERS TO THE Bl-CENTENNIAL FUND. 



1886. 



Albany Burgesses Corps $100 

Albany City National Bank.. 250 
American Express Company. 250 
Albany & Troy Steamboat Co. 350 

Albany City Band 50 

"Albany Evening Times" (T. 

(C. Callicot) 100 

American Hotel 100 

Anteman, W. F 5 

Albany Insurance Company, 125 

Annesley & Co 50 

Albany County Bank 250 

Albany Railway Company... 250 

Albany Card & Paper Co 50 

Adelphi Club 25 

Aaron Lodge, No. 64 15 

Albany City Lodge, No. 68.. 10 

Albany P. W. Paper Co 20 

Albany Mutual Fire Insurance 

Company 125 

.\lbany P.lectric lUu'ating Co. 250 
Albany Pharmaceutical Co... 50 

Amsdell Brothers 200 

Albany Safe Deposit Co 25 

Anderson, G. W 5 

Albany Stove Company 25 

"Alpha .Sigma " 50 

Andrews, Horace 10 

"Argus Company " 100 

Armour & Company 50 

Auer, Louis 3 

Austin, Thomas 10 

Ahern, James E 50 

Barry, John A 50 

Barber, Fletcher 10 

Bacon, .Stickney & Company, lOO 

Battersby, John 10 

Ball, Dayton & Co 25 

Brainard & Shepard 10 

Brannigan, John 10 

Banks, Rol^ert Lennox lOO 

Banks Brothers 100 

Barnet Brothers & Aufsesser, 15 

Bates & Johnson 10 

Baldwin, Bryson 5 

Ballard, S. M 25 

Brady, A. N 100 

Barnes, T. W 25 

Bradt, S. C 5 

Bailey, Dr. W. H 10 



Bradbury, E. K $10 

Bailly, J. P 5 

Baxter, E. C 3 

Bradley, John E 10 

Barnes, William 25 

Brady, James N 25 

Bellvidere Hotel 100 

Brennan, James 50 

Bensen, A. V 25 

Bentley, C. VV 2 

Birch, George .'\. & Co 25 

Benedict, E. G 25 

Bleecker & Corcoran 10 

Beckford, C. A 2 

Bridge, Charles 10 

Bender, H. H 5 

BishoD, T. J 10 

Bedell', E. A 5 

Belden, George D $3-82 

Brown, Luddington & Co... 20 

Boughton & Vine 10 

Bondy, L. & Bro 5 

Boss, Lewis 25 

Bloomingdale, P 2 

Boyd & Company 25 

Bonsilate Button Company.. 15 

Boardman & Gray 5 

Blocksidge, James 5 

Boyd, James P 10 

Brunswick Hotel 75 

Byrne, R. H 5 

Bull, M. V. B 25 

Burdette-Coutts Association . . 25 

Buchanan, C. J 5 

Burlingame, Eugene 5 

Boyce & Milwain 25 

Bryce, Robert 20 

Burgess, W. T. & Son 10 

Cleveland Brothers 25 

Craft, Charles G 50 

Capron, W. J 5 

Cranneli, Monroe 5 

Carr, Frederick 10 

Chase & Delehanty 10 

Chanil^erlain, Eugene T 20 

Cranneli, W. W.\ 5 

Crane, I. E 5 

Clark, W. G 5 

Cash 25 

Cash 10 



395 



Cash $1 

Cash lo 

Cash lo 

Cash S 

Cash 5 

Cash 5 

Cash lo 

Cash 5 

Cash 5 

Cottrell & Leonard 25 

Converse, P". & Son 10 

Crocker & Effler 50 

Commerce Insurance Co 125 

Cohn, facob 20 

Cooper,' T. C 15 

Cook, Adam & Son 20 

Corning, Erastus 250 

Cohn, Gilbert 15 

Crounse, D.J 5 

Cox, J. W 10 

Clute, W. L 2 

Cluett & Sons 25 

Cushman & Company lOO 

Cunningham, W.J 10 

Cutler, T. R 2 

Delaware & I lud. Canal Co.. 1,000 

Day Line Steamboats 100 

Delavan House 350 

Devine, Thomas J 50 

Dey Ermand, \Vm 50 

Dickson, \V. J., Jr 5 

Dearstyne, C. V 10 

Deitz, Lewis 10 

Day, John H 25 

De Witt, \. V 20 

Davenport, S. J 5 

Delehanty, M. & Son 25 

Devine, J. H 5 

De Witt, Ira 5 

Dawson, George S. Post 10 

Davidson, G. G 10 

Danaher, Franklin M 5 

Dwight, Harvey A 10 

Dorr, Henry 50 

Dumary & Farrell 50 

Dobler Brewery loo 

Dun, R. G., & Co 25 

Dyer, Bradbury 25 

Doane, Rt. Rev. Wm. C 10 

Dunham, J. W. & Co 20 

Durant, E. P 10 

Dugan, John 15 

Evertsen, Evert 5 

Exchange Bank, Nat'l 250 



Easton, C. P. & Co $25 

" Express, Morning " 100 

Eichenbroner, 1 5 

Engel, E 5 

Eyres & Co., 11. G ID 

First National Bank, Albany, 250 

Fitzpatrick, Dominick 50 

Fearey Manufacturing Co... 25 

French, W. B 5 

" Female Lundy Society ". .. 25 

Freeman, W. F 25 

Fearey, Joseph & Son 25 

Fleischmann & Co 23 

Fisher, Joseph 5 

Fonda, Douw H 50 

Fort Orange Brewing Co 100 

Fort, P. V. & Company 25 

Fort Orange Club 250 

Fuller & Wheeler 10 

Fonda, John 5 

Fuld cS: Bocklowitz 15 

Flynn, Wm. J 10 

Fryer, Robert 1/ 25 

Germania Hotel 75 

Garrity, John J 50 

Gannon, John G 10 

Gideon Lodge 25 

Granger & Story 100 

Gaus, C. H 5 

Gay & Quinby 25 

Gregory, Geo. Stuart 5 

Click & Sayles 10 

Ciazeley, James 25 

Gips & Bro., E 10 

Gray, S. R 25 

Gregory, C. D 10 

Geer, Robert 20 

Gibson, R. W 10 

Globe Hotel loo 

Gloeckner, S 5 

Goldsmith, S 2 

Guion, William 5 

Goold, J. cS: Co 25 

Gould, Wm. Jr. & Co 25 

Gould, Anthony 50 

Gomph, William C 2 

Guthmann cS: Bro., R 10 

Groesbeck, A. E 25 

Hackett, Edward F 50 

Hackett, T. M. & Company, 20 

Hale & Bulkley 25 

Harris, Hamilton 20 

Harris, Samuel C 5 

Hall, Parker 10 



396 



Hickey,S. M $750 

Heiser, M. & Co 10 

Hein, Morris 20 

Hinckle, F., estate 250 

Hendrick, James 25 

Heusted, A. B 5 

Hedrick, John F 50 

Hill, D. B 10 

Hess, Isban 10 

Hamlin, C. J 5 

Hobbs, E. A 5 

Hodgkins, S. C 5 

Howell, E. W 10 

Hotaling, L 10 

Hoy, John 10 

" Huylers " 25 

Hussey, W. M 10 

Hutman, John S 5 

Hyatt, Chas. M 5 

Hudson Valley Paper Co 25 

Hun, M. T 25 

Hun, L. G 25 

Hurlburt, G. D. W 2 

Hydeman, M. M 10 

Huyck & Argersinger 25 

Hughson & Company 50 

Hun, Thomas 25 

Hun, Dr. Henry 15 

Hunter, H. Hofif 5 

Isaacs, J 2 

Industrial School 125 

Johnston & Reilly 250 

"Journal Company" 100 

Johnston, W. S. & Bro 50 

Jones, Charles E 25 

Johnson & Johnson 25 

Johnson, B. W 5 

Jermain, James B 20 

Kenmore Hotel 200 

Keeler, John 100 

Keeler, W. H 25 

King, Rufus H 250 

King, J. Howard 250 

Kinnear, Peter 25 

Kip, Leonard 10 

Killeen, William M 5 

King, W. H 10 

Laventall, J lo 

Livingston, W. H 25 

Levy, S. & Bro 5 

Lansing, J. Townsend 50 

Lansing, Charles B 1 50 

Leonard & Youngman 25 

Larrabee, E. J. & Co 50 



Lee, James $2 

Lewis, R. P. & Son 25 

" Legislative Ball Match "... 32 

Littletield, H. C 10 

Lansing, A 50 

Little, W. C. & Co 25 

Lawrence & Stewart 5 

La Grange, S. D 10 

Learned, Wm. L 25 

Lawson, Isaac 5 

Lawson, J. M 5 

Lansing, Richard 10 

Liscomb, O. P lo 

Lansing, E. Y 5 

Lansing, G. Y 5 

La Moure, U. B., Dr 10 

Lawrence R. & Bro 10 

Lord, E. T 5 

Lyon, J. B. & Co 5 

Lodge, Gideon 25 

Long & Silsby 10 

Mechanics & P'armers' Bank, 250 

Merchants' National Bank... 250 

Meneely, George R 25 

Mather Bros 100 

Mansion House 5° 

Messenger House 5*-* 

Mitchell, William 50 

Mack & Company 5*^ 

Miller, L. & Bro 5 

Marshall & Wendell Piano Co. 50 

Mann, Waldman & Co 50 

Mix, James 25 

Marvin, S. E 25 

Miller, G. D 5 

Mead, J. H. & F. A 10 

Mayell," H. & Son 20 

Mills, C. H 5 

Mead & Hatt 10 

Marsh & Hoffman 25 

Meegan, E. J 25 

Miller, A. R 5 

Manning, James H 25 

Mattoon & Robinson 25 

Miller, S. Ed., Jr 5 

Marx Brothers 25 

Miller, Charles, J r 5 

Miller, Wm. D 5 

Merrill, C. S lo 

Mills, Arthur D 5 

Martin, E. P 10 

McElveny, D 25 

McKinney, J. & Son 100 

McClure, Archibald 100 



397 



McElroy, J. K $25 

McCredie, Thomas 50 

McCurdy, John A 25 

McArdle, John 5 

McNamara, M. G 10 

McClure, W. H 25 

McArdle, P. J 25 

Mc Kench, D. B 10 

McCall, H. S., Jr 5 

McHugh, J. H 5 

McQuade, James 25 

McEvven, John 10 

McHaffie, "L., Miss 5 

McDonough, M 10 

McKinlay & Co 25 

McElroy, James 5 

Mount Vernon Lodge 50 

Moore, R. H. & Zimmerman, 25 

Mordecai Lodge, No. 96 10 

Morris, R. S 10 

Moir, James 25 

Morange, J. W 10 

Mmison, S. L 50 

Myers, John G 250 

Municipal Gas Company 250 

Muller, W. L. (Elmira) 25! 

N. Y. State National Bank.. 250 

National Commercial Bank.. 250 

Newman, Charles 25] 

Newman, John L 25 

Nusbaum, Myer 5 

Nott, John C 25! 

N. Y. Cen. & H. R. R. Co.. 1,000 [ 

National Express Company.. 100 

Nellis, T. VV 10 

Nichols, W. R 5 

Olcott, Dudley 250 

O'Brien, D. A 50 

O'Byrne, T. E 50 

O'Brien, B 5 

Olcott, John T 150 

Odell, J. \V.". 10 

O'Leary, D. V 10 

Order of the Iron Hall 25 

O'Brien, I'hilip 10 

Ortton, John 5 

Parsons, S. H 25 

Patterson, H 2 

Perry & Company 100 

Page, Isaiah & Son 25 

Pratt, James H 100 

Peckham, R. W 25 

Palmer, John 10 

" Press and Knickerbocker " 225 



Parker, A. J., Jr $25 

Parker, Aniasa J 25 

Patton & Company 25 

Patterson, P. J 10 

Prentice, E. P., estate lOO 

Payn's, B. Son 5 

Parsons, J. D 5 

People's Line Boats 500 

Pladwell, J. & Sen 5 

Paige, Leonard 3 

Pruyn, Robert C 250 

Pohly & Company 25 

Price, Joseph J 25 

Pruyn, Charles L 100 

Pierson, H. R 50 

Pike & Capron 50 

Potts, Jesse C 20 

Pruyn, J. V. L 25 

Public School 25 $3-75 

Porter, C. H ' 10 

Pohlman, J. I) 50 

Quinn, B 5 

Quinn & Nolan 500 

Quinn, James 10 

Quayle, R. K 30 

Quinby, John H 25 

Rathbone, Clarence 25 

Rathbone, Sard & Co lOO 

Raynsford, G. W 10 

Reed & Knickerbocker 25 

Rathbun, J. & Co 100 

Read, Harmon P 20 

Rawson & Colburn 25 

Reese, Rev. J. L 10 

Reilly & Hamilton 25 

Rooney, James \V 50 

Russell, Henry 25 

Roach, Mrs. James 25 

Rosendale, S. W 25 

Russell, Geo. L 10 

Russell, Joseph W 25 

Rowland, Henry 20 

Ronan, Patrick 25 

Ronan, E. D 15 

Romeyn, T. F 5 

Robbins, John S 10 

Rodgers & Ruso 15 

Ruggles, W. B 10 

Russ, H. H 10 

Robinson & Dayton 10 

Stanwix Hall 150 

Sautter, L 10 

Stark, B. & Co 50 

Sanders, G. V. S 25 



398 



Strasser, M. & Company $20 

Saul, Julius 50 

Strain, Robert 5 

Sage, H. W. & Co 100 

Shaw & Robinson 10 

Shattuck, J. A 10 

Sanders, B. & J. B 20 

Sanders, Jacob G 50 

Sweney, P. J 2 

Sleeping Car Co., N. Y. C. .. 300 
Stedman, Thompson & An- 
drews 25 

Stevens, J. W 25 

Schell, E 10 

Stevens, Ed 5 

Stevens, George H 5 

Stevens, Thomas 10 

Seaman, J.F 3 

Stevens, A. P 10 

Speir, S. T 3 

Stewart, CM 5 

Strevel, W. D 10 

Stephenson, Samuel 10 

Scherer, R. G 5 

Schermerhorn, B. S 5 

Stevens, Samuel 10 

Smith, Henry L 25 

Skinner, John W 25 

Shiloh Lodge, I. O. B. B.... 25 

Shields, Frank 50 

Skinner & Arnold 25 

Sickles & Miller 25 

Simpson, Alex 10 

Smith, Craig & Company 25 

Smith, Cornelius 10 

Smith, Covert & Co 25 

Shoemaker & Pabst 25 

Strong, Wm. N 50 

Spoor, C. T. F 10 

Sporborg, Joseph, & Son 20 

Sumner, Chas., Benefit Ass'n, 25 

Sumner & Hascy 100 

Sullivan & Ehlers 25 

Stone & Shanks 25 

Snow, H. N 5 

St. Agnes' School 25 

Schuyler, Samuel 5° 

Schuster, Harry 10 

Tenth Regiment Band 25 

Treadwell & Co 250 

Thacher, John Boyd 100 

Thacher, George H., Jr 100 

Ten Eyck, J. H 20 

Tracey, Charles 50 



Thacher, R. W $10 

Tracey, Wilson & Co 25 

Taylor, J. E. & Company... 10 

Tremper, Captain J. H 25 

Tebbutts, M. Sons 10 

Thieson, J. L 5 

Tillinghast, J. W 25 

Toedt, E. B." 25 

Townsend, Franklin 50 

Townsend, Rufus K 25 

Townsend, Frederick 50 

Tucker, L. & Son 25 

Thornton, William 5 

Turner, H. L 5 

Townsend, J. D. P 5 

Townsend, Theo 5 

Thomson, L. & Company 25 

Towner, Samuel B 25 

Tibbits, Bleecker 20 

Trask, Spencer & Co. 100 

Tucker, Willis G 10 

Thorn, R. P. & Son 10 

Union Clothing Company ... 50 

Underbill, E 2 

Van Heusen, Charles & Co.. 25 

Van Gaasbeek, A. B. &Co.. 25 

Van Benthuysen, C 50 

Van Antwerp, J. H 50 

Valkenburgh, S. M. & Co... 15 

Van Antwerp, U. L 20 

Van Denburgh, R. L 50 

Van Antwerp, William M 25 

Vrooman, Sanford lO 

Viele, M. E 50 

Van Slyke, G. A. & Co 50 

Van Wormer, J 25 

Visscher, John B 20 

Van Vecliten, Abm 20 

Van Vliet, Dudley 10 

Van Uer Veer, A 25 

Vint, James lo 

Van Rensselaer, William B.. 100 

Van Alstyne, J. B 5 

Van Allen, C.'H 5 

Van Rensselaer, P 10 

Van Ness, Edward 500 

VanAllen, G. A 25 

Van Gaasbeek, W 5 

Van Alstyne, W. C 5 

Vrooman, J. H 5 

Van Rensselaer, heirs W. P. . 100 

Walsh, William E. & Son... 50 

Waldman, S. M 10 

Ward, Samuel B 25 



399 



Watervliet T. & H. R. R. Co.$ioo 

Wadhams, F. E 5 

Ward, W.J 15 

Waterman, J. & Son 25 

Walter, Joseph 10 

Walker, J. E 25 

Washburn, H. L., Jr 10 

Ward, C. M 5 

Weller, Anton 20 

Wendell, C. E. & Co 25 

Weed, Parsons & Co 100 

Weaver, George S 25 

Weaver, William J 10 

Wheeler, C. F 10 

Wemple, D. W 25 

Weber, George 15 

Weaver, W. II. & Co 25 

Wendell, J. 1 10 

Weir & Chism 10 

Weidman & Kelly 25 

Western Union Tel. Co 25 

Wheeler, F. F 5 

Whitney, W. M. A: Co 250 

Wilson & Gross 25 

" Windsor, The " 100 



Wilson, Lansing & Co $50 

Wright, H. K 5 

White, J. G. & Co 50 

White, Isaac & Sons, Co 25 

Wilber, R. G 10 

Wiley, Ignatius 10 

Winchell & Davis 25 

Williams, R. D 25 

Winne, C. H 10 

White, D. S. & Co 25 

Whitney, S. W 3 

Winship, W. F 5 

Whitney, W. M., Jr 10 

Wing, R. B 20 

Wickham, Richard 5 

Willard, Thomas 10 

Woodward & Hill 10 

Woodruff, C. L 10 

Woolverton, George A 20 

Woodward, James O 25 

Wooster, F. & Co 25 

Woodruff, W. H. D 5 

Yerks, George W 20 

Young, H. G 25 

Zelie, Rufus 50 



400 



THE FLAGS OF ALBANY. 



From time immemorial, flags have been used to 
determine rank, to mark organization, and to distin- 
guish tribe and nationality. 

At first they were personal to the king, commander 
or chief, or local with reference to district or tribal 
relations, and only national when they represented 
symbolically the religion or the gods of the people 
who fought under them. 

In battle they were rallying points for defence or 
attack. 

In time some particular emblem having been con- 
nected with deeds of national valor, or historical from 
association or tradition, or being the insignia of a 
conquering tribe or chieftain came to be recog- 
nized as the symbol of the country, a representation 
of its power and majesty to be guarded with reverence, 
to be defended to death, and so personal that an 
insult offered to it was and is considered an insult to 
the people whom it represented and a casus belli at 
all times. 

This idea of the personality of a flag and as 
standing for the people who adopted it, best finds 
expression in modern times, in national apologies 
being made by saluting the flag of the nation to 
whom reparation is due ; by indicating surrender by 
striking the flag, and conquest by raising that of the 
victor over or in the place of the flag of the defeated. 

401 



The early discoverers in America formally took 
possession of new found lands by raising the flag of 
their country to denote the new sov^ereignty, and the 
transmutations of government were completed by 
changing them. 

For an American colony, New York saw many 
changes in government and ownership, and as the dom- 
inant power was always evidenced by its flag which 
floated over its cities and fortifications, Albany's po- 
litical vicissitudes make the subject of the colors 
which have floated over it, or which have been con- 
nected with its history both interesting and pictur- 
esque. 

For historical purposes Henry Hudson is con- 
sidered the first white person to have ascended the 
Hudson River. We may safely set aside as with- 
out foundation in fact the tradition, that the French 
visited the site of Albany before Hudson did, and it 
is not even claimed that the Norsemen or Icelanders 
were ever near us. 

From the journal of Robert Juet, the master's 
mate of the Half Moon, Hudson's ship, it appears 
that he " and foure more of the Companie went up 
with our Boat to sound the river higher up," and 
visited the present site of Albany on September 22d, 
1609, receiving visits from the neighboring Indian 
chiefs, and people. 

Hudson was an English mariner in the service of 
the Dutch East India Company, then under the pro- 
tection of the government of the Netherlands, and 
floated the flags of both from the masts of the Half 
Moon. 



402 



After the treaty at Utretch and in 1582, the United 
Netherlands adopted as its flag, to denote its union, 
a banner of three equal horizontal stripes, alternately 
yellow, white and blue, represented in the illustra- 
tions as figure i, and that was its flag in 1609. 

The flag of the East India Company was the flag 
of the Netherlands, with the letters A. O. C. in the 
center of the white stripe, the letters being the abbre- 
viation of the name of the company, "Algeemeue Oost 
Indise Coinpagnic. " " The general East India Com- 
pany " (figure 3). 

The East India Company, under the protection of 
the general Government, ruled over Albany until 1622, 
when the control of the colony fell into the hands of 
the " Gooctroyeerde West Indise Coinpagnie" or " The 
privileged West India Company," whose flag was the 
national ensign, with the letters " G, W. C." in mono- 
gram, as represented in figure 4. 

In 1650, after the death of William II, the Nether- 
lands changed the national flag by substituting a red 
stripe for the orange (fig. 2), and it is fair to presume 
that the West India Company altered its flag to cor- 
respond. 

The, flag of the West India Company, under the 
protection of the national flag, floated over Albany's 
battlements until the English conquered the province 
in 1664. 

On the 29th day of July, 1673, a Dutch fleet of 
twenty-three vessels, carrying 1,600 men, forced the 
resurrender of New York, and three days later Lieu- 
tenant Salisbury, the English commandant, surren- 
dered Fort Albany to the victors. It was at once 



403 



renamed Willemstadt, and the presence of its new 
masters made known by the red, white and blue flag 
of the States General again floating over its battle- 
ments. 

A year later, in November, 1674, the Dutch Gov- 
ernor, Colve, surrendered the province of New York 
to his English successor, Major Edmond Andros. 
Willemstadt submitted to the inevitable, and the flag 
of the India Companies and of the United Nether- 
lands that bore testimony of their dominion and gov- 
ernment for 65 years, were forever furled, and that of 
England appeared, to have in time an equally inglori- 
ous exit. 

The early EngHsh flag was called the flag of St. 
George, and without reference to technical descrip- 
tion was a red cross on a white field. 

The Scotch flag was the Cross of St. Andrew, a 
white saltaire on a blue field. 

On the union of the crowns of England and Scot- 
land, James I. issued a proclamation that " all the 
subjects of this isle and the kingdom of Great Britain 
should bear in the main-top the red cross, commonly 
called St. George's Cross, and the white cross, com- 
monly called St. Andrew's Cross, joined together ac- 
cording to the forms adopted by our own heralds." 

The British flag as it appears to-day never floated 
over the American colonies. 

The banner of St. Patrick was a "saltaire gules 
on a field argent," a red St. Andrew's Cross on a 
white field, and was not added to the British flag 
until 1801. 



404 



Figure lo represents the British flag from the time 
of James I. (1606) until 1707. 

On January 16, 1707, the union of England and 
Scotland was finally ratified, and the national flag 
changed to the form depicted in figure ii — the red 
or " meteor flag," with the Union Jack, so called from 
Jacques (James I.) who ordained it, in the upper 
canton, and that was the flag nailed to the staft* in 
1783, when the British evacuated New York, and 
which, when it came down, represented the last act 
in the drama of the Revolution, and the surrender of 
British sovereignty over the American colonies. 

The history of the so-called Colonial flags cannot 
be written. 

They appear depicted in old prints and books but 
their special significance is past finding out, and their 
origin as a rule unknown. 

It is neither within the limits nor purposes of this 
article to enumerate all the colonial flags, but only 
those which are specially connected with New York's 
history. 

The Van Rensselaers, patroons of Albany, early 
arrogated to themselves feudal honors and privileges, 
and their historic fort on Baern Island, and brave 
attempts to levy tribute from the Dutch skippers and 
dominate the upper Hudson, are graphically described 
in Irving's Knickerbocker's History, of New York. 

That they had a flag is certain. In the Historical 
Documents of New York (vol. i, p. 522) there is a 
record of a " petition of the Patroon and co-directors 
of the Colonic of Rensselaer's Wyck," to the East 
India Company, dated January 17, 1653, which among 



405 



other grievances speaks of men " coming into the 
colonic of Rensselaer's Wyck aforesaid, and there 
causing the petitioners' flag to be hauled down, in 
opposition to the will and protest of the officers." 

The design of the Van Rensselaer flag is lost to 
history, for the most careful research made for years 
has failed to discover a specimen or description of it. 

In 1688, after the Duke of York became King of 
England, Sir Edmond Andros, its Governor, was com- 
missioned as the Governor of New England in America, 
with instructions to destroy the seal of New York, to 
annex its government and territory to New England, 
and to use the seal appointed for New England on all 
New York documents. 

The King at the same time sent over a special flag 
for the Provinces of New England in America, being 
the flag proper of England before the union, the red 
cross of St. George on a white field, charged with the 
kingly crown and monogram J. R. "Jacobus Rex" 
(figure 5). 

Figures 6, 7 and 8, are different forms of a com- 
mon colonial flag. 

It appears occasionally green, sometimes red, prin- 
cipally with a blue fly, but always with the flag of St. 
George, forming a canton in the upper corner next to 
the staff. Some were depicted with a tree, usually 
denominated a pine tree, in the upper left-hand cor- 
ner of the canton, sometimes it is vacant and often 
with a globe, with a small section cut out representing 
a hemisphere discovered. 

A view of New York harbor in 1697, from the 
journal of Jasper Bankers and Peter Sluyter, is copied 



406 



in the reprint of the journal published by the Long 
Island Historical Society, in 1867. It shows the 
Union flag (No. 10) floating over the fort, and the 
Colonial flag (No. 8) flying from a vessel at anchor. 

On November 13, 1696, Messrs. Brooke and NicoU 
made application to the Home Government, among 
other requisites for the defence of the forts in New 
York, for " six large Union flags " (No. 10), and they 
were sent on February i, 1696-7. 

Lieutenant-Governor Nanfan, who succeeded the 
Earl of Bellemont as Governor of New York in 1701, 
in a letter to the Lords of Trade, of date of Decem- 
ber 29, 1 701 (Historical Documents of New York, 
vol. 4, p. 927), speaks of a special " flag distinct from 
his majesty's ships of war to be worn by all ships 
that shall be commissionated by the governor of his 
majesty's plantations." We cannot describe that flag 
but believe it to be a flag similar to 6, 7 or 8. 

When Robert Hunter was made Governor, the draft 
of his instructions, dated December 27, 1709 (vol. 5 
Documents relating to Colonial History of New York, 
p. 137), among other things reads as follows: 

"85. Whereas, great inconveniences do happen to 
merchant ships and other vessels in the plantations 
wearing the colours borne by our ships of war, under 
pretence of commissions granted to them by the 
governors of the said plantations, and that by trading 
under those colours, not only amongst our own sub- 
jects, but also those of other princes and states, com- 
mitting divers irregularities, they do much dishonour 
our service, for prevention whereof you are to oblige 
the commanders of all such ships to which you shall 



407 



grant commissioners, to wear no other Jack than ac- 
cording to the sample here described, that is to say : 
Such as is worn by our ships of war, with the distinc- 
tion of a white escutcheon in the middle thereof, and 
that the said mark of distinction may extend itself 
one-half of the depth of the Jack and one-half of the 
fly thereof." 

This flag is correctly depicted on page 137 of vol. 
5 of the Documentary History of New York and is 
represented by figure 9. 

When George Clinton became Governor of the 
Colony of New York, the draft of his instructions 
from the Lords of Trade, evidenced by their letter of 
August 20, 1 74 1, on the subject of the colonial flag, 
reads as follows : " to wear (for the colonial flag) the 
same ensign as merchant ships, and a red jack with a 
union jack in a canton at the upper corner next to 
the staff, pursuant to the opinion of His Majesty's 
Commissioners for executing the office of High Ad- 
miral of Great Britain and agreeable to our repre- 
sentations to their Excellencies, the Lord Justices, 
dated August 7, 1740." The last described flag is 
not illustrated, for the description is very blind, and 
no copy nor original nor picture of the same is 
known. 

When the war of the Revolution broke out, the 
idea that the flag of the English represented their 
sovereignty found immediate and determined expres- 
sion in its repudiation, and the necessity for a symbol 
to designate the new dominion resulted in the crea- 
tion of many strange devices, like the Palmetto flag of 
the South Carolinians, and various other colors, some 



408 



bearing a snake with the motto, " Don't tread on tne," 
some crescents, others stars, anything to distinguish 
those who fought under them from the hated foe. 

It is said that at the battle of Bunker Hill the 
American forces carried the colonial flag represented 
by figure 8. 

No flag was evidently carried at Lexington on 
April 19, 1775, nor any recognized standard from 
that time until Washington raised the first general 
American flag at Cambridge on January 22, 1776. 

That was prior to the Declaration of Independence 
and at a time when the most that any of the patriots 
expected or demanded was justice and relief from 
oppression. 

Independence was not dreamed of, and the idea of 
Bristish protection and American dependence is re- 
presented in the flag (figure 12). It consists of thir- 
teen stripes of alternate red and white, with the Union 
Jack of England in a canton in the upper corner. 

Where the idea of the thirteen horizontal stripes of 
alternate red and white had its origin is not known, 
but the best authorities believe that they were taken 
from Washington's coat of arms. 

The flag was formerly adopted after consultation, 
and was known as the " Grand Union " flag. 

The Grand Union Flag continued to be the official 
American flag long after independence had been de- 
clared, and the idea of a British protectorate was 
abandoned and many bloody battles were fought 
under its folds. 

The necessity of a permanent and distinct flag had 
long been discussed, but it was not until June 14, 

409 



I777> t^^^ '^ t^o^ definite shape. On that day Con- 
gress passed a resohition adopting a flag in the fol- 
lowing words : 

" Resolved, That the flag of the Thirteen United 
States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white ; 
that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, 
representing a new constellation." 

The flag subsequently used during the war of the 
Revolution is shown in figure 13, the stars being 
arranged in the form of a circle. 

The design was to add an additional star and stripe 
to the flag for every new State, but it was neglected 
until on January 13, 1794, it was resolved by Con- 
gress " that from and after the first day of May, Anno 
Domini 1795, the flag of the United States be fifteen 
stripes, alternate red and white ; that the union be 
fifteen stars in a blue field." 

The flag of fifteen stripes and fifteen stars is repre- 
sented by figure 14, and that was the standard under 
which the glorious victories of the war of 1812 were 
won. 

No further changes were made in the flag after 
1795, until the new States began to clamor for recogni- 
tion in the National ensign ; the matter was discussed 
in Congress, the inexpediency of adding a stripe for 
each new State was conceded, and on April 4, 1818, 
the flag of these United States was forever fixed at 
thirteen horizontal stripes of alternate red and white, 
each State being represented in the blue union by a 
white star, a star to be added to the constellation for 
each new State on the 4th day of July next succeed- 



410 



ing its admission, and that flag as now constituted is 
represented in figure i6. 

The flag of the State of New York is represented 
in figure 15. We cannot find any legislative act, fix- 
ing either its size or color. 

The earliest record of any such flag is found in the 
military regulations promulgated during the time 
when Edwin D. Morgan was Governor of the State 
(1859), which prescribed that the State flag should 
be of white bunting, bearing the arms of the State in 
the center thereof. 

Under the general powers given to the military 
authorities to make regulations that have the force of 
laws, for the government of the military forces of the 
State, the designation in the regulations would fix the 
color and size of the State flag for military, but not 
for civil, purposes. 

In fact, the State flag, as such, is not mentioned in 
any act of the Legislature, except in chapter 190, of 
the Laws of 1882, entitled "An act to establish the 
original arms of the State of New York, and to pro- 
vide for the use thereof on the public seals." 

Section 7 of that act reads : " During the hours 
when the Legislature is in session, the State flag, bear- 
ing the arms of the State, shall be displayed from the 
Capitol together with the flag of the United States." 

The act takes it for granted that there is a " State 
flag." 

Except in the military regulations we find no au- 
thority for this flag, but conceding that by implica- 
tion the act last cited does establish a State flag for 



411 



civil purposes, what authority is there for making it 
white any more than red or blue? 

It may not be a very material issue to raise, but it 
is nevertheless curious to know that the State of New 
York floats a flag of a color for which there is no 
statutory warrant. 

We distinguish the State flag from the regimental 
standards or colors. 

Chap, xii, of the Laws of 1778, entitled " An act 
further to organize the government of this State," 
passed March 16, 1778, contains the following: 

" And whereas, arms have been devised for this 
State, * * * i^g if therefore further enacted by 
the authority aforesaid, that the said arms * * * 
shall be and they are hereby declared to be the arms 
* * * of this State." 

Within three weeks from that time, on April 3rd, 
1778, an act was passed " regulating the militia of the 
State of New York," which contained the following: 

"VI. That each regiment shall be provided with a 
Standard or Colours at the Expense of the Field 
Officers."' 

One of these flags carried by the 3rd New York 
regiment, commanded by Col. Peter Gansevoort, Jr., 
in 1778 and through the Revolutionary war, is now 
in the possession of the colonel's descendants in 
Albany. 

It is of blue silk, with the then newly adopted 
arms painted in the centre thereof. 

There are a number of statutes fixing the arms 
and seals of the State, but none establishing either 
State or regimental colors, and the question arises, 



412 



why and by what authority was the color of the regi- 
mental flag made blue, and the State arms put on 
the same in preference to any other device, or if the 
flag carried by Col. Gansevoort's regiment was a 
State and not a regimental flag — and there having 
been no distinction between the two until the military 
regulations of 1859, by what authority was the dis- 
tinction in color made, and when was it adopted, by 
the State? 

The regimental flags have been of a blue color 
since the foundation of the Government, and are so 
to-day, and many elegant specimens bearing honor- 
able scars won in the service of the Union during the 
Rebellion, can be seen daily in the upper corridors 
of the Capitol in Albany. 

The municipal flag of Albany is similar in purpose 
and intent to the State flag, denoting the municipal 
sovereignty of the city. It is of white with a city 
coat of arms in the center in blue and is floated over 
the City Hall in Albany on all occasions of municipal 
ceremony and on State and National holidays. 

Figure 18 is the Bi-centennial flag of Albany, de- 
signed by the writer, as a standard, bearing on its folds 
the political and dynastic history of Albany for two 
hundred and seventy-nine years, to mark the celebra- 
tion of its Bi-centenary as a chartered city. 

It holds in combination the flags before repre- 
sented. 

Next to the staff is the tri-color of the States Gen- 
eral, in its two-fold form of yellow, white and blue 
and red, white and blue representing the period of 
the Dutch supremacy which, during all the time suc- 

413 



ceeding, had its influence over Albany's history and 
its people and which holds fast the subsequent periods 
represented in the quarterings. 

The first quarter contains Albany's municipal flag, 
representing the local history of the place and its city 
government ; the second quarter is the old British 
jack denoting the days of English ascendency ; the 
third quarter is the jack of the best recognized 
colonial flag, representing the colonial period ; and 
the fourth the union of the stars and stripes, repre- 
senting the period of free government under the 
Constitution and Laws of the United States — never 
to be changed. 



414 




No. 1. 





No. 2. 



No. 3. 



THE CITY SEALS OF ALBANY. 



Prior to 1686, Albany was a town governed by 
Justices of the Peace, under commissions issued by 
the colonial Governors. 

As such it had no seal. 

The Dongan Charter, signed July 22, 1686, which 
made Albany a city, authorized it to have and use a 
corporate seal in the words following: "the said 
Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the City of 
Albany, and their successors shall and may forever 
hereafter, have one common seal to serve for the 
sealing of all and singular their affairs and business 
touching or concerning the said corporation. And 
it shall and may be lawful to and for the said 
Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the said city 
of Albany, and their successors, as they shall see 
cause, to break, change, alter and new make their said 
common seal, and as often as to them shall seem 
convenient." 

Prior to the granting of the charter, which at first 
the Van Rensselaers opposed, they released all their 
title to the vacant lands within the corporate limits of 
the new city as fixed by the charter and vested it in 
the new corporation, a portion of which lands in order 
to meet the expenses attending the procurement of 
the document were ordered to be sold " att a publike 
vendu or outer}' in ye Citty Hall on W'ednesda}', ye 
first day of December" (1686). 

415 



A deed from the city of Albany, bearing date in 
December, 1686, describing a certain " lott of grounde 
on ye hill where ye gallows stande " sold at public 
auction pursuant to the above order and signed by 
Peter Schuyler, the first Mayor for the city, and 
attested by the city seal, is in existence. The city seal 
is firmly and clearly impressed on the paper in red 
wax, and is reproduced in figure i. 

It is octagonal in shape, with the letters A. L. B. 
in monogram as depicted, with a crown over them. 

If the design has any meaning, or there were any 
special reasons why it was adopted, they are not now 
known. 

A copy or description of it was not known until 
the above deed was found among the old papers of a 
lineal descendant of the grantee, after a careful search 
made at the request of the writer in 1886. 

Munsell. in his valuable and hardly enough appre- 
ciated books on Albany, has no description or picture 
of it, although he has engraved all other seals. 
. During the Bi-centennial year several others were 
found, one appearing on a grant of the freedom of 
the city given in 1736. 

The letters must be an abbreviation of the name 
of the city. We cannot learn that the crown has any 
heraldic significance ; it is hardly a kingly crown, nor 
in shape like a coronet, the head attire of the nobility. 

The first public seal of the province of the New 
Netherlands, granted by the State's General, had a 
coronet for a crest ; so had the second, granted by 
the Duke of York to the province of New York by 
royal warrant, dated February 9, 1662. 



416 



This latter seal being the royal arms of the house 
of Stuart, bore as a crest, a coronet composed of 
crosses and fleurs de lis, and was the seal of the prov- 
ince of New York in 1686, and it is probable that 
the city followed the colonial seal and the custom of 
the day, and used the crown as a crest, or charged 
the monogram of the city with a crown, to show its 
dependence and loyalty. 

The city records have little to say concerning the 
seal ; it seems to have been ambulatory, for at one 
time the clerk was forbidden to carry it about with 
him to the detriment of public business. 

In 1740 the Common Council forbade its use ex- 
cept when the city fathers were in session, but in 
1 741 this rule was so far relaxed that the Mayor 
could seal "Tavern Keepers Lycences. " In 1742 
the aldermen who seemed to be then, as now, jealous 
of their privileges, re-enacted the rule of 1740, evi- 
dently intending that if any tavern keepers' licenses 
were to be granted and sealed (which sealing under 
the charter was necessary to their validity), they 
would be on hand and participate in the event. 

It seems from that and what follows, that some 
revenue was attached to the use and possesion of the 
city seal, and the Common Council, the city clerk 
and the Mayor were fighting for its custody, with the 
victory in the hands of the aldermen, who forbade its 
use except when they were in session. 

But a reformer appeared on the field in the person 
of Jacob C. Ten Eyck, who was elected Mayor in 
1748. He went before the Board of Aldermen im- 
mediately after his election, produced the city seal 



417 



and laid it before the Common Council. He said : 
" that Dirck Ten Broek, Esq., had delivered the same 
to him, as was formerly usual for the Mayor going 
off to do to the new Mayor, but as the present 
Mayor's opinion was that the city seal should be de- 
livered to the keeping of the clerk of the Common 
Council, he desired the consent of the Board that the 
same may be delivered to Mr. Philip G. Livingston, 
the present clerk." 

It was so ordered, and a resolution was passed by 
the board regulating the use of it by the clerk, and 
requiring him to use it in certain matters in the pres- 
ence of three aldermen. The Mayor was forbidden 
" for the future to have the keeping of the city seal* 
unless in the absence of the clerk." 

At a meeting of the Common Council, held April 
28, 1752, the following was passed: 

"Resolved and ordered by this Board — That the 
old seal of this corporation, now in the hands of the 
Mayor, be changed and altered, and that there be a 
new seal in its place, which new seal, being now pro- 
duced to this board and approved of by them, the 
same is ordered to be lodged in the hands of our 
present clerk in his office for the use and behoof of 
this corporation, and that the present now new seal be 
henceforth our seal and called, deemed and esteemed 
the common seal of this corporation until it be altered 
and changed and the aforesaid former seal be null and 
void and dead in law to all intents and purposes 
whatsoever;" and again re-enacted the ordinance of 
1740, which prohibited its use, "except it be in our 
Common Council." 



418 



The new seal above mentioned is represented in 
figure 2. 

It displays the Albany beaver, but looking in the 
original, more like a drowned cat than the fat and 
sleek animal, it was intended to represent, with the 
word "Albany " over, and the figures of the year 1752 
under it. 

Neither the resolution nor the records state why 
the change was made. 

Albany was certainly more English in 1752 than in 
1686, and why the English crown of the latter year 
should have been changed for the Dutch beaver in 
1752 is not apparent, especially as the reason could 
not have been artistic, for the first seal is certainly 
handsomer in appearance than the second ; nor 
because they were tired of it, for it became again in 
use a few years later. 

On June 30, 1752, the new seal was ordered to be 
used on all public documents, and it was ordained 
that there should be paid to the Mayor or aldermen 
three shillings for their fees for its use, and to the 
clerk for putting the seal to any instrument six shil- 
lings for the use of the corporation, and one shilling 
to the clerk for his own use. 

On May 3, 1755, the Common Council passed the 
following resolution : 

" Resolved, By this Board, that the old seal now 
in the custody of the Mayor with the letters thereon, 
shall be used by the Mayor to lyscense Carmen and 
Tavern Keepers and to nothing else, and shall be 
called the publick seal of this city." 

Thus was the old Dongan seal, a few short years 



419 



before declared " dead in law," resuscitated ; and 
Albany had two seals, a city or corporate seal, and a 
public seal. 

This state of affairs did not last long, for at a meet- 
ing of the Common Council held October i6, 1761, 
the city clerk was allowed one shilling for affixing 
the city seal to each freedom or other instrument 
issued by the city, and for each license given to any 
tavern keeper, and that none be valid without the 
seal. 

The old seal here disappears from history. The 
seal of 1752 continued to be the corporate seal of 
Albany for many years, and why or when it was 
changed and the present seal adopted cannot be defi- 
nitely stated. 

There is no record, changing either the seal of 
1752 or adopting the one now in use. 

The earliest copy of the shield on the seal (No. 3) 
is found on an old map of a portion of Albany* 
made by Simeon De Witt, a brave revolutionary sol- 
dier on Washington's staff and Surveyor-General of 
the State, dated in 1790, and now on file in the city 
surveyor's office. 

It is the shield of the arms of the city of Albany, 
for which there also seems to be no record authority, 
and is described by Mr. Howell, in heraldic language, 
as follows : " Party per fess argent and gules. Above, 
a beaver gnawing at the stump of a tree prostrates 
both proper ; below, two garbs, proper. Crest, a 
sloop under sail, proper. Motto, Assiduity." 

The, arms, as depicted on the map of 1790, show 
supporters, dexter, a farmer, whose left hand sup- 



420 



ports the shield and whose right rests on his hip with 
a sickle hung on his wrist; the sinister is an Indian, 
his right hand supporting the shield, and his left sus- 
taining a bow, one end of which rests on the ground. 

But little attention has ever been paid by the city- 
fathers to the duty of maintaining the arms of Albany 
as originally designed or according to heraldic rules. 

The city arms next appear on a map dated in 1795 
with variations ; each succeeding artist or engraver 
taking liberties with the picture, especially the artist 
who painted the official copy now in the Mayor's 
office in the City Hall, until the arms as now used 
have lost all their original significance and point; new 
additions of landscape and figure have been added 
without authority, and to cap the climax, the sup- 
porters have been comfortably seated, in violation of 
the first principles of heraldry. 

The present city seal (No. 3) must have been 
adopted some time between 1790, the date of the 
above map, and 1795, the date of a city lease in the 
chamberlain's office, where it appears for the first 
known time. 

It has been used as depicted in figure 3 since its 
first adoption without alteration. It is typical of 
Albany. The beaver is displayed at work — historical 
in its connection with the early name, history and 
wealth of the people of Albany — and their industry ; 
the rich, harvested grain appears, indicative of its 
agricultural wealth ; the crest is a Dutch sloop, de- 
noting Albany's supremacy at the head of the sloop 
navigation of the Hudson River, and its commercial 
importance, and the motto, "Assiduity," appropriate 



421 



to a cit)' noted for the diligence and the close atten- 
tion to business of its inhabitants. 

A few years ago the arms of the State of New 
York, established by authority in 1778. fell into the 
same condition through neglect that the arms of the 
city of Albany are now in, and the State thought it 
of sufficient importance to appoint a commission to 
re-establish them as they were first designed, and their 
labors found fruition in the passage by the legislature 
of chapter 190 of the Laws of 1882, entitled "An 
act to re-establish the original arms of the State of 
New York and to provide for the use thereof on the 
public seals." 

The State arms are fixed by law, engraved accord- 
ing to rule, and can never be changed. 

Few American cities have arms charged on a shield, 
upheld by supporters ; according to some authorities 
none except the cities of New York and Albany, and 
their readoption in a fixed form and their preservation 
as an honor unique in American municipal history, 
and as a matter of local pride should engage the 
attention of our city fathers, as an outcome of Albany's 
Bi-centenary as a chartered city. 



422 



THE BI-CENTENNIAL MEDAL. 



The committee having in charge the celebration of 
Albany's Bi-centenary as a chartered city, determined 
to signalize the event by issuing a medal that would 
be a credit to the occasion, and a reminder of the 
event for all time. 

It resulted in the artistic and appropriate medal 
represented in the engraving. It is two inches in 
diameter, and one-eighth of an inch thick. A few 
of a greater thickness were struck off specially. 

The die was cut by George H. Lovett of New York, 
one of America's celebrated medalists, noted for the 
fineness of his engraving. This medal is distinguished 
for its artistic finish, correctness of detail, historical 
accuracy, and for the strength and character of its 
workmanship. 

The obverse of the medal contains a picture of 
Governor Dongan signing the parchment which made 
Albany a city, in the presence of Peter Schuyler and 
Robert Livingston, and the legend : " PiETER Schuy- 
ler RECEIVING THE CHARTER FROM GOVERNOR 

Dongan, July 22, 1686." 

The scene was suggested to the writer, who devised 
the detail of the medal, by the following extract from 
the minutes of the city of Albany (vol. i, p. i) : 

" In Nomine Domino Jesu Christo. Amen. 



423 



" Att a meeting of ye justices of ye peace for ye 
County of Albany, ye 26th day of July, A. D. 1686. 

" Pieter Schuyler, gent., and Robert Livingston, 
gent., who were commissionated by ye towne of Albanie 
to goe to New-Yorke and procure ye charter for this 
citty, wh. was agreed upon between ye magistrates 
and ye right hon'l Col. Tho. Dongan, Gov. Gen'll, 
who accordingly have brought the same along with 
them, and was published with all ye joy and acclama- 
tions imaginable, and ye said two gent'm. received ye 
thanks of ye magistrates for their diligence and care 
in obtaining ye same." 

To write the history of Schuyler and Livingston 
would be to write the history of New York during 
their time, for no more influential men lived in the 
colony. 

Peter Schuyler was a merchant of Albany, and lived 
in 1703 on Broadway, where Van Benthuysens' print- 
ing office now stands, his lot extending back to the 
river. 

He was first Mayor of Albany, Colonel of the Mili- 
tia of the county. President and Member of the Gov- 
ernor's Council, Lidian Commissioner, Judge of the 
Court of Oyer and Terminer, etc., and the most valu- 
able man in the colony of New York by reason of 
his great influence over the Indians. 

He visited England in 1 710 with a delegation of 
Indians, and was received by Queen Anne, who 
ordered his portrait painted by the court painter 
after he had refused the offer of knighthood from her 
hands. 

The painting is still in existence in the posses- 



424 



sion of his descendants in the town of Watervleit, 
and the picture of Schuyler in the medal is based 
upon that portrait. Schuyler died in 1724. 

Robert Livingston was born at Anacram, Scotland, 
December 13, 1654; emigrated to America in 1674, 
and settled in Albany. 

He was made town clerk of Albany by the charter 
of 1686, which office he resigned in 1721 ; he was 
also collector and receiver of public moneys, sub- 
collector of customs at Albany, Indian Commissioner, 
etc. He married Alida Schuyler, widow of Rev. 
Nicholas Van Rensselaer, and had seven children. 
He was the progenitor of the celebrated Livingston 
family ; lived where Tweddle building now stands, 
and died April 20, 1725. 

There is a picture of him extant representing him 
to be a swarthy man, with long black hair, wearing 
the hat and costume then worn by the Dissenters. 

His portrait has been followed as closely as possi- 
ble ; the pose and costume being from Boughton's 
celebrated picture entitled: "The Return of the 
Mayflower." 

Thomas Dongan, subsequently Viscount Dongan, 
and second Earl of Limerick, was, prior to his ap- 
pointment as the colonial Governor of New York, a 
brave and gallant colonel in the Irish contingent, 
serving in the French army. He was made Governor- 
General by King James II, in August, 1683, and was 
the chief magistrate of the colony on July 22, 1686, 
and as such signed the charter which made Albany a 
city. He was a wise and beneficent Governor, just in 
his dealings with the colonists and the Indians, and 



425 



noted for the fairness with which he treated all people 
in matters of conscience. 

He was superseded in 1688, and died in London 
in 1703. 

The charter which he signed is now among the 
records of the city of Albany, and consists of sev^eral 
sheets of parchment rolled, with a very large colonial 
seal attached. 

Great attention was paid to the historical detail and 
accuracy of costume and furniture in the engraving, 
and it is considered a masterpiece of its kind. 

The reverse of the medal has in the center the 
shield and crest of the arms and seal of the city of 
Albany, described in the article on " The City Seals 
of Albany," and the legend: " L\ COMMEMORATION 
OF THE Two Hundredth Anniversary of the 
City of Albany, N. Y., 1886." 

The number of medals struck from the die, which 
was defaced on the 22nd day of July, 1886, is as fol- 
lows : Ten gold medals ; eight silver medals ; thirty- 
six in bronze, gilded with a Florentine finish ; thirteen 
hundred in bronze, and eleven thousand in white 
metal. The medals thus described were one-eighth 
of an inch in thickness. 

A few, three-sixteenths of an inch in thickness, 
were issued as follows : one in copper, three in bronze 
and thirty-six in bronze struck up in gold. 



426 




J'uirr 




WTY^SD 




NEW YORK 



^^^ 




THE BI-CENTENNIAL CARD. 



This card, a copy of which printed on thin paper, 
is inserted in this book, was issued by the committee 
as a memento of the anniversary and sent to all sub- 
scribers to the celebration fund and to distinguished 
guests. It is a fine steel plate and was printed, for 
distribution, on very thick card-board of the size 
eight by eleven inches with gilt beveled edges. 
The legend is : " The Two Hundredth Anni- 
versary OF THE City of Albany, New York, 
July Twenty-second, 1886." It shows a copy of 
the arms of Albany, in the degenerate form, spoken 
of in the article on "The City Seals of Albany;" the 
card having been engraved before the general interest 
in old Albany, aroused by the Bi-centennial celebra- 
tion, had contrasted the arms of Albany now in use, 
with the original design found on Simeon De Witt's 
old map of Albany, dated 1 790. We regret that the 
committee did not have a copy of the proper arms 
engraved for this book ; but a general idea of their 
appearance can be had from an inspection of the 
Bi-centennial flag (flag No, 17), where they are re- 
produced, and from the shield in the engraving of the 
Bi-centennial medal. 

In the flag the supporters are standing, according 
to heraldic rules, not sitting as in the card, and there 
are no details of landscape in the correct arms. The 
errors are not the fault of the engraver, but of the 
authorities which allowed the arms to degenerate. 

427 



The center of the card contains a contrast between 
old and new Albany, 1 686-1 886. 

In 1695 Rev. John Miller visited Albany, and the 
account of his visit was published in a book entitled : 
" Description of the Province and City of New York, 
with the plans of the city and several forts as existed 
in the year 1695," and accompanying the book there 
was a map or plan of the city of Albany, drawn with 
great circumspection and detail. Describing Albany 
he says: "It is in circumference about six furlongs, 
and hath therein about 200 houses, a fourth part of 
what there is reckoned to be in New York. 

" The form of it is septangular, and the longest 
line (is) that which buts upon the river running from 
north to south. On the west angle is the fort, 
quadrangular, strongly stockadoed and ditched round, 
having in it twenty-one pieces of ordnance mounted. 

" On the north-west side are two block-houses, and 
on the south-west as many ; on the south-east angle 
stands one block-house ; in the middle of the line 
from thence northward is a horned work, and on the 
north-east angle a mount. The whole city is well 
stockadoed round, and in the several fortifications 
named are about thirty guns." 

The artist has endeavored, by closely following the 
map accompanying the book, to give an idea of Albany 
as it appeared in 1686, and from the letter-press 
description accompanying the map, has fairly suc- 
ceeded in his task. 

The largest picture is a view of Albany in 1886, 
looking from Bath ; it illustrates, by the contrast with 
the 1686 picture, Albany's material growth in two 

428 



hundred years, and its beauty as a city in the Bi-cen- 
tennial year. 

In the lower vignette is an idealized picture of 
Dongan, Schuyler and Livingston, meeting in Albany 
in 1686. 

The house, upon the stoop of which Dongan stands, 
is a correct drawing of the entrance to the celebrated 
Lydius house, built of bricks brought from Holland 
in 1657, which stood on the north-east corner of 
State and Pearl streets (Dexter's corner, so called). 
It was torn down in 1832. Opposite is the Schuyler 
house, lately known as the Staats corner, demolished 
in 1887 to make room for the Albany County Bank 
building. 

The card is an excellent specimen of steel engrav- 
ing and a credit to Albany art in 1886. 



429 



DONGAN CHARTER. 



I. THOMAS DONGAN, Lieutenant and Governor of 
the Province of New- York, and Dependencies in 
America, under his most sacred Majesty, JAMES the 
Second, by the Grace of God, of England, Scot- 
land, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the 
Faith, and so forth, and Supreme Lord and Proprietor 
of the said Province of New-York, and its Depend- 
encies : 

To all persons to 7vhom these Presents shall or may come, 
or ill any wise concer?i, Sendeth Greeting : 

2. WHEREAS the town of Albany is an ancient town 
within the said Province, and the inhabitants of the said 
town have held, used and enjoyed, as well within the same 
as elsewhere within the said Province, divers and sundry 
Jiights, Liberties, Privileges, Fi'anchises, Free Ctistoms, 
Preheniinences, Advantages, Jurisdictions, Etnobiments and 
Jjnmimities, as well by prescription as by Graiits, Co?iJirma- 
tions and Proclamations, not only by divers Governors and 
Commanders-in-Chief in the said Province, under his said 
Majesty ; but also of several Governors, Generals and 
Commanders-in-Chief of the Nether Dutch nation, whilst 
the same was or has been under their power and subjection. 
And Whereas divers lands, tenements, and hereditaments, 
jurisdictions, liberties, immunities and privileges, have here- 
tofore been given and granted to the inhabitants of the said 
town, sometimes by the name of the Commissaries of the 
town of Beverwyck ; sometimes by the name of the Com- 
missaries of the town of Albany ; sometimes by the name of 
Schepeneti of William- Stadt ; and sometimes by the name 
of yustices of the Peace for the town of Albany ; and by 
divers other names, as by their several grants, writings, 
records and minutes, amongst other things, may more fully 
appear. And Whereas the inhabitants of the said town 

431 



have erected, built and appropriated, at their own proper 
cost and charges, several public buildings, accommodations 
and conveniences, for the said town, as also certain pieces 
or parcels of ground for the use of the same, that is to say, 
the town-hall or stadt-house, with .the ground thereunto 
belonging ; the church or meeting place, with the ground 
about the same ; the burial place, adjoining to the pallisades, 
at the south-east end of the town ; the watch-house and 
ground thereunto belonging ; a certain piece or parcel of 
land, commonly called or known by the name of the pas- 
ture, situate, lying and being to the south-ward of the said 
town, near the place where the old fort stood, and extending 
along Hudson's River, till it comes over against the most 
northerly point of the island, commonly called Martin 
Gerritsens Jslatid, having to the east Hudsofi's River, to 
the south, the manor of Refisselaertvick, to the west the 
highway leading to the town, the pasture late in the tenure 
and occupation of Martin Gerretse?t, and the pasture late 
in the tenure and occupation of Casper '^acobse, to the north 
the several pastures late in the tenure and occupation of 
Robert Sanders, My7idert Harmense and Evert Wendell, 
and the several gardens late in the tenure and occupation 
of Dirk J Vessels, Killian Van Refisselaer and Abraham 
Staast, with their and every of their appurtenances ; and 
also have established and settled one ferry from the said 
town to Greenbush, situate on the other side of Hudso7i's 
River, for the accommodation and conveniency of passen- 
gers, the said citizens and travellers : And Whkkeas seve- 
ral of the inhabitants of the town do hold from and under 
his most sacred Majesty, respectively, as well by several and 
respective patents, grants and conveyances, made and granted 
by the late Governors and Commanders-in-Chief of the 
said Province, as otherwise, several and respective messuages, 
lands, tenements and hereditaments, in the town of Albany 
aforesaid, and that the said inhabitants of the said town of 
Albany, and their heirs and assigns respectively, may hold, 
exercise and enjoy, not only such and the same liberties, 
privileges, franchises, rights, royalties, free customs, jurisdic- 
tions and immunities, as they anciently have had, held, used 
and enjoyed, but also such public buildings, accommodations, 
conveniences, messuages, lands tenements and hereditaments 
in the said town of Albany, which, as aforesaid, have been 
by the inhabitants erected and built, or which have, as afore- 

432 



said, been held, enjoyed, granted and conveyed unto them, 
or any of them, respectively. 

3. Know ye therefore. That I, the said Thomas Don- 
gafi, by virtue of the commission and authority unto me 
given and power in me presiding, at the humble petition of 
the Justices of the Peace of the said town of Albany, and 
for divers other good causes and considerations me thereunto 
moving, have given, granted, ratified and confirmed, and 
by these presents, for and on behalf of his most sacred 
Majesty aforesaid, his heirs and successors, do give, grant, 
ratify and confirm unto the said inhabitants of the said town, 
hereinafter agreed to be called by the name or names of The 
Mayor, Alde?'/?ien, and Commonalty of the City of Albany, 
all and every such and the same liberties, privileges, fran- 
chises, rights, royalties, free customs, jurisdictions and im- 
munities, which they have anciently had, held and enjoyed ; 
Provided always. That none of the said liberties, privi- 
leges, franchises, rights, free customs, jurisdictions or immu- 
nities, be inconsistent with, or repugnant to, the laws of his 
Majesty's kingdom of England, or other the laws of the 
general assembly of this Province ; and the aforesaid public 
buildings, accommodations and conveniences, pieces or par- 
cels of ground in the said town, that is to say, The said 
town-hall or stadt-house, with the ground thereunto belong- 
ing; the said church or meeting- place, with the ground 
about the same ; the said burying-place, the watch house 
and ground thereto belonging ; the said pasture and the 
afore-mentioned ferry, with their and every of their rights, 
members and appurtenances, together with all the profits, 
benefits and advantages that shall or may accrue or arise at 
all times hereafter, for anchorage or wharfage in the harbor, 
port or wharf of the said city, with all and singular the rents, 
issues, profits, gains and advantages which shall or may arise, 
grow or accrue by the said town-hall or stadt-house, and the 
ground thereunto belonging ; church or meeting place, with 
the ground about the same; burying-place, watch-house, 
pasture, ferry, and other the above mentioned premises, or 
any of them, and also all and every the streets, lanes, high- 
ways and alleys, within the said city, for the public use and 
service of the said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of 
the said city, and of the inhabitants of the places adjacent, 
and travellers there ; together with full power, license and 
authority to said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty, and 

433 



their successors for ever, to establish, appoint, order and 
direct the establishing, making, laying out, ordering, amend- 
ing and repairing of all streets, lanes, alleys, highways and 
bridges, water- courses and ferries, in and throughout the said 
city, or leading to the same, necessary, needful and conven- 
ient for the inhabitants of the said city and the parts adja- 
cent, and for travellers there : Provided always. That 
the said license so as above granted for the establishing, 
making and laying out streets, lanes, alleys, highways, ferries 
and bridges, be not extended or construed to extend, to 
the taking away of any person or persons right or property, 
without his or their consent, or by some known law of the 
said Province. And for the consideration aforesaid, I do 
likewise give, grant, ratify and confirm unto all and every 
the respective inhabitants of the said city of Albany, and 
their several and respective heirs and assigns, all and every 
the several respective messuages, lands, tenements and here- 
ditaments, situate, lying and being in the said city, to them 
severally and respectively granted, conveyed and confirmed 
by any the late Governors, Lieutenants, or Commander-in- 
Chief of the said Province, or by the Commissaries or 
Justices of the Peace, or other Magistrates of Albany 
aforesaid, or otherwise howsoever; To Hold to their sev- 
eral and respective heirs and assigns for ever. 

4. And I do, by these presents, give and grant to the 
said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the said city of 
Albany, all the waste, vacant, unpatented and unappropri- 
ated land lying and being within the said city of Albany, 
and the precincts and liberties thereof, extending and reach- 
ing to the low water mark, in, by and through all parts of 
the said city ; together with all rivers, rivulets, coves, creeks, 
ponds, water- courses, in the said city, not heretofore given 
or granted by any of the former Governors, Lieutenants, or 
Commanders-in-Chief, under their or some of their respect- 
ive hands and seals, or the seal of the Province, to some 
respective person or persons, late inhabitants of the said 
city, or of other parts of the said Province ; and also the 
royalties of fishing, fowling, hunting, hawking, mines, min- 
erals and other royalties and privileges belonging or apper- 
taining to the city of Albany, gold and silver mines only 
excepted. 

5. And I do, by these presents, give, grant and confirm 
unto the said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the said 

434 



city of Albany, and their successors, forever, full and free 
license and liberty of fishing in Hudso7i's River^ not only 
within the limits of the said city, but without, even so far 
northward and southward as the river does extend itself, 
within the said county of Albany, together with free liberty, 
license and authority, to and for the said Mayor, Aldermen 
and Commonalty of the said city of Albany aforesaid, and 
their successors, at all time and times hereafter, for and 
during the space of one and twenty years, from and after 
the fourth day of November, last past, to be accomplished, 
and fully to be complete and ended, to cut down and carry 
away, out of any part of the manor of Rensselaerwyck, 
(provided it be not within any fenced or enclosed land) such 
firewood and timber, for building and fencing, as to them 
shall seem meet and convenient. 

6. And 1 do, by these presents, grant unto the said Mayor, 
Aldermen and Commonalty of the city of Albany, and 
their successors forever hereafter, all such strays as shall be 
taken within the limit, precincts and bounds of the said city. 

7. And I do, by these presents, give and grant unto the 
said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty, of the city of 
Albany, and their successors, full liberty and license, at 
their pleasure, to purchase from the huiians, the quantity 
of five hundred acres of low or meadow land, lying at a 
certain place, called or known by the name of Schaaghte- 
cogiie, which quantity of five hundred acres shall and may 
be, in what part of Schaaghtecogiie, or the land adjacent, as 
they, the said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the 
city of Albany, shall think most convenient. 

8. And I do, by these presents, give and grant unto the 
said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty, full power and 
license at their pleasure, likewise to purchase from the 
Indians, the quantity of one thousand acres of low or 
meadow land, lying at a certain place, called or known by 
the name of Tionnojidoroge, which quantity of one thou- 
sand acres of low or meadow land, shall and may be, in 
what part of Tio7inondo7'oge, or the land adjacent on both 
sides of the river, as they the said Mayor, Aldermen and 
Commonalty of the said city of Albany, shall think most 
convenient ; which said several parcels of low or meadow 
land, I do hereby, in behalf of his said Majesty, his heirs 
and successors, give, grant and confirm unto the said M ayor. 
Aldermen and Commonalty of the city of Albany afore- 

435 



said, to be and remain to the use and behoof of them and 
their successors forever. To have and to hold, all and 
singular the premises, to the said Mayor, Aldermen and 
Commonalty of the said city of Albany, and their succes- 
sors forever, RENDERING and paying therefor unto his 
most sacred Majesty, his heirs, successors and assigns or to 
such officer or receiver, as shall be appointed to receive the 
same, yearly, forever hereafter, the annual quit-rent or 
acknowledgement of one beaver skin, in Albany, on the 
five and twentieth day of March, yearly and forever. 

9. And moreover, I will, and by these presents for his 
said Majesty, his heirs and successors, grant, appoint, and 
declare, that the said city of Albany, and the compass, pre- 
cincts, and limits thereof, and the jurisdiction of the same, 
shall from henceforth extend and reach itself, and shall and 
may be able to reach forth and extend itself, as well in 
length and breadth, as in circuit, on the east by Hudson's 
River, so far as low water mark ; to the south, by a line to 
be drawn from the southermost end of the pasture, at the 
north end of the said island, called Martin Gei-rit son's 
Island, running back into the woods, sixteen English miles 
due northwest, to a certain kill or creek, called the Sand- 
Kill ; on the north, to aline to be drawn from the post, 
that was set by Governor Stuyvesant, near Hudson's River, 
running likewise, northwest sixteen English miles ; and on 
the west by a straight line, to be drawn from the points of 
the said north and south lines ; wherefore by these presents, 
I do firmly enjoin and command for and on behalf of his 
said Majesty, his heirs and successors, that the aforesaid 
Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the city aforesaid, 
and their successors, shall and may freely and quietly have, 
hold, use and enjoy the aforesaid liberties, authorities, juris- 
dictions, franchises, rights, royalties, privileges, advantages, 
exemptions, lands, tenements, hereditaments and premises, 
aforesaid, in manner and form aforesaid, according to the 
tenure and effect of the aforesaid grants, patents, customs, 
and these letters patent of grant and confirmation, without 
the let, hindrance or impediment of any of his Majesty's 
Governors, Lieutenants, or other officers whatsoever; and 
that the said mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the 
city aforesaid, and their successors or any of them, in the 
free use and enjoyment of the premises, or any of them, by 
the Lieutenants or Governors of his said Majesty, his heirs 

436 



and successors, or by any of them, shall not be hindered, 
molested, or in any wise disturbed. 

10. And also, I do, for and on the behalf of his most sacred 
Majesty, his heirs and successors, ordain and grant to the 
Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the city of Albany, 
and their successors, by these presents, that for the better 
government of the said city, liberties and precincts thereof, 
there shall be forever hereafter, within the said city, a 
Mayor, Recorder, Town-Clerk, and six Aldermen and six 
Assistants, to be appointed, nominated, elected, chosen and 
sworn, as hereinafter is particularly and respectively men- 
tioned, who shall be forever hereafter, called the Mayor, 
AIder/ne7t, and Commonalty of the city (?/Albany, and that 
there shall be forever, one Chamberlain or Treasurer, one 
Sheriff, one Coroner, one Clerk of the Market, one High- 
Constable, three Sub-Constables, and one Marshal or Ser- 
geant at Mace, to be appointed, chosen and sworn in man- 
ner hereinafter mentioned. 

11. And I do, by these presents, for and on behalf of his 
most sacred Majesty, his heirs and successors, ordain, declare, 
constitute, grant and appoint, that the Mayor, Recorder, 
Aldermen and Assistants of the said city of Albany, for 
the time being, and their successors forever hereafter, be and 
shall be, by force of these presents one body corporate and 
politic, in deed, fact and name, by the name of The Mayor, 
Aldermen and Commonalty of the city of Albany ; and 
them by the name of the Mayor, Aldermen and Common- 
alty of the city of Albany, one body corporate and politic, 
in deed, fact and name ; and I do really and fully create, 
ordain, make, constitute and confirm, by these presents, and 
that by the name of The Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty 
of the city of Albany, that they may have perpetual suc- 
cession, and that they and their successors, forever by the 
name of the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the city 
of Albany, be and shall be, forever hereafter, persons able, 
and in law capable to have, get, receive and possess lands, 
tenements, rents, liberties, jurisdictions, franchises and 
hereditaments, to them and their successors, in fee simple, or 
for term of life, lives or years, or otherwise ; and also goods 
and chattels, and also other things of what nature, quahty 
or kind soever ; and also to give, grant, let, set and assign 
the said lands, tenements, hereditaments, goods and chattels, 
and to do and execute all other things in and about the same 

437 



by the name aforesaid ; and also, that they be, and forever 
shall be, persons able in law, capable to plead, and be im- 
pleaded, answer, and be answered unto, defend and be de- 
fended, in all or any of the courts of his said Majesty, and 
other places whatsoever, and before any Judges, Justices, 
antl other person or persons whatsoever, in all and all man- 
ner of actions, suits, complaints, demands, pleas, causes, and 
matters whatsoever, of what nature,- kind, or quality soever, 
in the same, and the like manner and form as other people 
of this Province, being persons able and in law capable, may 
plead and be impleaded, answer and be answered unto, 
defend and be defended, by any lawful ways or means what- 
soever ; and that the said Mayor, Aldermen and Common- 
alty of the city of Albany, and their successors, shall and 
may forever hereafter, have one common seal to serve for 
the sealing of all and singular their affairs and business, 
touching or concerning the said corporation. And it shall 
and may be lawful to and for the said Mayor, Aldermen and 
Commonalty of the said city of Albany, and their succes- 
sors, as they shall see cause, to break, change, alter and new 
make their said common seal, and as often as to them shall 
seem convenient. 

12. And further know ye, that I have assigned, named, 
ordained and constituted, and by these presents, do assign, 
name, ordain and constitute, Peter Schuyler, to be the present 
Mayor of the said city of Albany, and that the said Peter 
Schuyler shall remain and continue in the office of Mayor 
there, until another fit person shall be appointed and sworn 
in the said office, as in and by these presents, is hereafter 
mentioned and directed. And I have assigned, named, or- 
dained and constituted, and by these presents do assign, 
name, ordain and constitute, Isaac Swhiton, to be the present 
Recorder of the said city, to do and execute all things, which 
unto the office of Recorder of the said city doth, or may any 
way appertain or belong. And I have assigned, named, or- 
dained and constituted, and by these presents do ordain, con- 
stitute, create and declare, Robert Livingston, Town Clerk 
of the said city ; to do and execute all things which unto the 
office of Town Clerk, doth or may belong. And also I have 
named, assigned, constituted and made, and by these presents 
do assign, constitute and make Dirk IVessels, "jFan J^ans 
Bleecker, David Schuyler, j^ohannis Wendell, Lavi?ius Van 
Schaick and Adrian Garritse, citizens and inhabitants of the 

438 



said city of Albany, to be the present Aldermen of said city. 
And also I have made, assigned, named and constituted, and 
by these presents do make, assign, name and constitute, 
'Joachim Staats, y^ohn Lansing, Isaac Verplanck, Lawrence 
Van Ale, Albert Ryckman, and Melgert Whiantse, citizens 
and inhabitants of the said city, to be the present Assistants 
of the said city. Also I have assigned, chosen, named and 
constituted, J^an Blcecker, citizen and inhabitant of the said 
city, to be the present Chamberlain or Treasurer of the city 
aforesaid. And I have assigned, named, constituted and 
apjiointed, and by these presents do assign, name, constitute 
and appoint, Richard Pretty, one of the said citizens there, 
to be the present Sheriff of the said city. And I have 
assigned, named, constituted and appointed, and by these 
presents do assign, name, constitute and appoint, yanies 
Parker, one other of the said citizens, to be the present 
Marshal of the said city. 

13. And I do, by these presents, grant to the said Mayor, 
Aldermen and Commonalty of the said city of Albany, 
and their successors, that the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen 
and Assistants of the said city, for the time being, or the 
Mayor and any three or more of the Aldermen, and any 
three or more of the Assistants, of the said city, for the time 
being, be, and shall be called, the Common Council of the 
said city, and that they or the greater part of them, shall 
or may have full power and authority, by virtue of these 
presents, from time to time to call and hold Common Coun- 
cil, within the Common Council House, or City Hall of the 
said city ; and there, as occasion shall be, to make laws, 
orders, ordinances, and constitutions in writing ; and to add, 
alter, diminish, and reform them, from time to time, as to 
them shall seem necessary and convenient, (not repugnant 
to the prerogative of the King's Majesty, his heirs or suc- 
cessors, or to any laws of the kingdom of Engla7id, or other 
the laws of the General Assembly of the Province of New- 
York aforesaid) for the good rule, oversight, correction, and 
government of the said city, and liberties of the same, and 
of all the officers thereof, and of the several tradesmen, 
victuallers, artificers, and of all other people and inhabitants 
of the city, liberties and precincts aforesaid, and for the 
preservation of government, the l7idian trade, and all other 
commerce and dealing, and for disposal of all the lands, 
tenements, and hereditaments, goods and chattels of the 

439 



said corporation ; which said laws, ordinances, and constitu- 
tions shall be binding to all the inhabitants of the said city, 
liberties, and precincts aforesaid ; and which laws, orders, 
ordinances, and constitutions, so by them to be made as 
aforesaid, shall be and remain in force, for the space of one 
year, and no longer, unless they shall be allowed and con- 
firmed by the Governor and Council, for the time being. 

14. And further, I will and grant to the said Common 
Council of the said city, for the time being, as often as they 
make, ordain, and establish such laws, orders, ordinances, 
and constitutions aforesaid, shall or may make, ordain, limit, 
provide, set, impose, and tax, reasonable fines and amercia- 
ments, against and upon all persons offending against such 
laws, orders, ordinances, and constitutions as aforesaid, or 
any of them, to be made, ordained, and established as afore- 
said, and the same fines and amerciaments shall and may 
require, demand, levy, take, and receive, by warrants, under 
the common seal, to and for the use and behoof of the Mayor, 
Aldermen and Commonalty of the said city, and their suc- 
cessors, either by distress and sale of the goods and chattels 
of the offenders therein, if such goods and chattels may be 
found within the said city, liberties, and precints thereof, 
rendering to such offender and offenders the overplus, or by 
any other lawful ways or means whatsoever. 

15. And I do, by these presents, for the King's Majesty, 
his heirs and successors, approve and ordain the assigning, 
naming and appointing of the Mayor and Sheriff of the said 
city, that it shall be as followeth, {7u'z.) upon the feast day 
of St Michael, the arch angel, yearly, the Lieutenant- 
Governor or Commander-in-Chief, for the time being, by 
and with the advice of his council, shall nominate and appoint 
such a person as he shall think fit, to be Mayor of the said 
city, for the year next ensuing ; and one other person of 
sufficient ability in estate, and capacity in understanding, 
to be Sheriff of the said city of Albany, for the year next 
ensuing ; and that such person as shall be assigned, named, 
and appointed Mayor, and such person as shall be assigned, 
named, and appointed Sherift" of the said city as aforesaid, 
shall, on the 14th day of October, then next following, in 
the City Hall or Stadt-House aforesaid, take the several and 
respective corporal oaths before the Recorder, Aldermen 
and Assistants, or any three of the Aldermen and four of 
the Assistants of the said city, for the time being, for the 

440 



due execution of their respective offices as aforesaid ; and 
that the said Mayor and Sheriff, so to be nominated and 
appointed as aforesaid, shall remain and continue in their 
respective offices until another fit person shall be nominated, 
appointed, and sworn in the place of Mayor, and one other 
person shall be nominated, appointed, and sworn in the 
place of Sheriff of the said city, in manner aforesaid ; which 
oaths the said Recorder, Aldermen, and Assistants, or any 
three or more of the Aldermen, shall and may lawfully 
administer, and have hereby power to administer to the said 
Mayor and the said Sheriff, so nominated and appointed, 
from time to time, accordingly. 

1 6. And further. That according to usage and custom, 
the Recorder and Town Clerk of the said city, shall be per- 
sons of good capacity and understanding, such as his most 
sacred Majesty, his heirs and successors, shall in the said 
respective offices of Recorder and Town Clerk, respectively 
appoint and commissionate ; and for defect of such appoint- 
ment, and commissionating, by his most sacred Majesty as 
aforesaid, his heirs and successors, to be such persons as the 
said Governor, Lieutenant or Commander-in-Chief of the 
said Province, for the time being shall appoint or commis- 
sionate ; which persons so commissionated to the said office 
of Recorder and office of Town Clerk respectively, shall 
have, hold and enjoy the said offices respectively, according 
to the tenor and effect of the said respective commissions, 
and not otherwise. 

17. And further, I will, that the Recorder, Town Clerk, 
Aldermen, Assistants, Chamberlain, High- Constables, Petty- 
Constables, and all other officers of the said city, before they, 
or any of them shall be admitted to enter upon and execute 
the respective offices, shall be sworn faithfully to execute the 
same, before the Mayor, or any three or more of the Alder- 
men, for the time being. And I do, by these presents, for 
and on behalf of his said Majesty, his heirs and successors, 
grant and give power and authority to the Mayor and Re- 
corder of the said city, for the time being, to administer the 
same respective oaths to them accordingly. 

18. And further, I will, and by these presents, do grant 
for and on behalf of his most sacred Majesty, his heirs and 
successors, that the Mayor, Aldermen and Recorder of the 
said city, for the time being, shall be justices and keepers of 
the peace of his said Majesty, his heirs and successors, and 

441 



justices to hear and determine matters and causes within the 
said city, hberties and precincts thereof; and that they or 
any three or more of them, shall and may forever hereafter 
have power and authority, by virtue of these presents, to 
hear and determine all and all manner of petty larcenies, 
riots, routs, oppressions, extortions, and all other trespasses 
and offences whatsoever, within the said city of Albany, 
and the hmits, precincts and liberties thereof, from time to 
time, arising and happening, and which shall arise or happen, 
and any way belong to the office of justice of the peace, 
and correction and punishment of the offenders aforesaid, 
and every of them, according to the laws of England, and 
the laws of the said Province ; and to do and execute all 
other things in the said city, hberties and precincts as afore- 
said, so fully and in as ample a manner as to the commis- 
sioners assigned, and to be assigned for the keeping of the 
peace in the said city and county of Albany, doth or may 
belong. 

19. And moreover, I do, by these presents, for his 
Majesty, his heirs and successors, will and appoint that the 
Aldermen and Assistants, within the said city, be yearly 
chosen on the feast day of St. Alichael the archangel, for 
ever, {viz.) two Aldermen and two Assistants for each re- 
spective ward, in such public place in the said respective 
wards, as the Aldermen for the time being, for each ward, 
shall direct and appoint, and that by the majority of voices 
of the inhabitants of each ward ; and that the Chamberlain 
shall be yearly chosen, on the said feast day, in the city-hall 
of the said city, by the said Mayor, Aldermen and Assist- 
ants of the said city, or by the Mayor or three or more of 
the Aldermen, and three or more of the Assistants of said 
city, for the time being. And I do, by these presents, 
constitute and appoint Robert Livingston to be the present 
Town Clerk, Clerk of the Peace, and Clerk of the Court of 
Pleas, to be holden before the Mayor, Recorder and Alder- 
men within the said city, and the liberties and precincts 
thereof. 

20. And further, I do, by these presents, for his said 
Majesty, his heirs and successors, require and straitly charge 
and command, that the sherifi", Town Clerk, Clerk of the 
Peace, High-Constable, Petty-Constable, and all other sub- 
ordinate officers in the said city, for the tune being, and 
every of them respectively, jointly and severally, as causes 

442 



shall require, shall attend upon the said Mayor, Recorder 
and Aldermen of the said city for the time being, and every 
or any of them, accord mg to the duty of their respective 
place, in and about the executing of such the commands, 
precepts, warrants and process of them, and every of them, 
as belongeth and appertaineth to be done or executed. 

21. And that the aforesaid Mayor, Recorder and Alder- 
men, and every one of them, as justices of the peace, for 
the time being, by their or any of their warrants, all and 
every person or persons, for high treason or petty treason, 
or for suspicion thereof, and for other felonies whatsoever, 
and all malefactors and disturbers of the peace, and other 
offenders for any other misdemeanors, who shall be appre- 
hended within the said city or libeties thereof, or without 
the same in any part within the said county, shall and may 
send and commit, or cause to be sent and committed to the 
common gaol of the said city, there to remain and be kept 
in safe custody by the keeper of the said gaol, or his deputy 
for the time being, until such offender and offenders shall be 
lawfully delivered thence. 

22. And I do, by these presents, for his said Majesty, 
his heirs and successors, charge and require the keeper and 
keepers of the said gaol for the time being, and his and 
their deputy or deputies, to receive and take into safe cus- 
tody, to keep all and singular such person and persons so 
apprehended or to be apprehended, sent and committed unto 
the said gaol, by warrant of the said justices, or any of them 
as aforesaid, until he or they so sent and committed to the 
said gaol, shall from thence be delivered by due course of 
law. 

23. And further, I grant and confirm, for his said 
Majesty, his heirs and successors, that the said Mayor of the 
said city for the time being, and no other, shall have power 
and authority to give and grant licenses annually, under the 
public seal of the said city, to all tavern-keepers, inn-keepers, 
ordinary keepers, victuallers, and all public sellers of wine, 
strong waters, cider, beer, or any other sort of liquors by 
retail within the city aforesaid, or the liberties and precincts 
thereof, or without the same in any part of the said county, 
and that it shall and may be lawful to and for the said 
Mayor of the said city for the time being, to ask, demand 
and receive for each license by him to be given and granted 
as aforesaid, such sum or sums of money, as he and the 

443 



person to whom such license may be given or granted shall 
agree for, not exceeding the sum of thirty shillings, current 
money of this country for each license ; all which money, 
as by the Mayor shall be so received, shall be used and ap- 
plied to the public use of the said Mayor, Aldermen and 
Commonalty of the said city of Albany, without any ac- 
count thereof to be rendered, made or done to his said 
Majesty, his heirs, successors or assigns, or any of his Lieu- 
tenants or Governors of the said Province, for the time 
being, or any of their deputies. 

24. And further, I do grant for his said Majesty, his 
heirs and successors, that the said Mayor of the said city 
for the time being, and no other, be and foi ever shall be 
Clerk of the market within the said city aforesaid, and the 
liberties and precincts thereof; and that he, and no other 
shall and may forever do, execute and perform all and singu- 
lar acts, deeds and things whatsoever, belonging to the office 
of Clerk of the market within the city aforesaid, and the 
liberties and precincts thereof, to be done, executed and 
performed. And that the said Mayor of the said city for 
the time being, and no other person or persons, shall or 
may have assize or assay of bread, wine, beer and wood, 
and other things to the office of Clerk of the market belong- 
ing or concerning, as well in the presence as in the absence 
of his said Majesty, his heirs and successors, or his or their 
Lieutenants or Governors here. 

25. Also, I will and grant for his said Majesty, his heirs 
and successors, unto the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty 
of the said city for the time being, and their successors for 
ever, that the Mayor of the said city aforesaid, for the time 
being, during the time that he shall remain in the said office 
of Mayor, and no other, be, or shall be coroner of his said 
Majesty, his heirs and successors, as well within the city 
aforesaid, and the liberties and precincts thereof, as without 
the same, within the limits or bounds of the said county ; 
and that he and no other, shall do or cause to be done and 
executed, within the said city, limits and precincts thereof, 
or without the same, within the limits and bounds of the 
county, all and singular matters and things to the said office 
of Coroner belonging, there to be done. And that the said 
Mayor of the said city for the time being, shall take his 
corporal oath before the Recorder, or any three or more of 
the Aldermen of the said city, well and duly to execute the 

444 



said office of Clerk of the market and Coroner of the said 
city and county, before he take upon him the execution of 
either of the said offices. 

26. And also, I do, by these presents, grant unto the 
Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the said city of 
Albany, that if any of the citizens of the said city, or 
inhabitants within the limits or precincts thereof, that shall, 
after being elected, nominated, or chosen to the office of 
Mayor, Aldermen, Assistants, Sheriff, or Chamberlain of the 
said city as aforesaid, and have notice of his or their elec- 
tion, shall refuse or deny to take upon him or them to exe- 
cute that office to which they shall be so chosen or nomi- 
nated ; that then, and so often as it shall and may be lawful 
for the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, and Assistants of the 
said city, for the time being, or the Mayor, or any three of 
the Aldermen, and three or more of the Assistants of the 
said city, for the time being, to tax, assess, and impose upon 
such person or persons so refusing or denying, such reason- 
able or moderate fines or sums of money as to their discre- 
tion shall be thought most fit, so as the said fine, penalty or 
sum for refusing or denying to hold and execute the office 
of Mayor of the said city, do not exceed the sum of twenty 
pounds, current money of this country; and the fine for 
refusing or denying to hold and execute the place of an 
Alderman, do not exceed the sum of ten pounds, like cur- 
rent money ; and the fine for denying or refusing to hold 
and execute the place of Chamberlain, Assistant, or Sheriff, 
the sum of five pounds, like current money. 

27. And I do, by these presents, for his said Majesty, his 
heirs and successors, authorize the Mayor, Recorder, Alder- 
men, and Assistants of the said city, for the time being, and 
the Mayor, and three or more of the Aldermen, and three 
or more of the Assistants there for the time being, to frus- 
trate and make void the election of such person or persons 
so refusing or denying as aforesaid ; and then, and in such 
cases, any other fit and able person and persons, citizen and 
citizens of the said city, or inhabiting within the Hberties and 
precincts thereof, in convenient times, to elect anew in the 
manner aforesaid, directed and prescribed to execute such 
office and offices so denied or refused to be executed as 
aforesaid ; and that if it shall happen that such person or 
persons so to be elected anew, shall refuse or deny to take 
upon him or them any of the said office or offices unto which 

445 



he or they shall be chosen and elected as aforesaid ; then 
and in such case, the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and 
Assistants of the said city, for the time being, or the said 
Mayor, or three or more of the said Aldermen, and three or 
more of the Assistants of the said city for the time being, 
shall or may set and impose upon them so denying or refus- 
ing, such and the like moderate fines as is before set down 
in hke cases to the respective offices, with such limitations 
as aforesaid ; and also in such and the like manner as afore- 
said, to continue and make void such election and elections, 
and make new elections as often as need shall be and require ; 
all which said fines so set and imposed, I do by these presents, 
for and on behalf of his said Majesty, his heirs, successors, 
and assigns, grant to be, and shall be and remain, and belong 
unto, and shall be put into the possession and seizen of the 
Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty for the time being, and 
their successors, to be levied and taken by warrant under the 
common seal, and by distress and sale of the goods and 
chattels of the several persons so refusing or denying as 
aforesaid, if such goods and chattels may be found within 
the said city, liberties and precincts thereof, rendering to 
the parties the overplus, or by any other ways or lawful 
means whatsoever, to the only use of the said Mayor, 
Aldermen, and Commonalty of the city of Albany, and 
their successors, without any account to be rendered, made 
or done to the said King's Majesty, his heirs, successors, or 
assigns for the same. 

28. And know ye, that for the better government of the 
said city, and for the welfare of the citizens, tradesmen, and 
inhabitants thereof, I do, by these presents, for his said 
Majesty, his heirs and successors, give and grant to the said 
Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty of the said city, and 
their successors, that the Mayor, Recorder, and Aldermen, 
or the Mayor or any three or more of tlie Aldermen for the 
time being, shall from time to time, and at all times here- 
after, have full power and authority, under the common seal, 
to make free citizens of the city and liberties thereof; and 
no person or persons whatsoever, other than such free citi- 
zens, shall hereafter use any art, trade, mystery, or manual 
occupation within the said city, liberties and precincts 
thereof, saving in the times of fairs there to be kept, and 
during the continuance of such fairs only. And in case any 
person or persons whatsoever, not being free citizens, shall 

446 



hereafter use or exercise any art, trade, mystery, or manual 
occupation, or shall by himself, themselves, or others, sell or 
expose to sale any manner of merchandise or wares what- 
soever by retail, in any house, shop or place, or standing 
within the said city, or the hberties or precincts thereof, 
no fair being then kept in the said city, and shall persist 
therein after warning to him or them given or left, by the 
appointment of the Mayor of said city, for the time being, 
at the place or places where such person or persons shall so 
use and exercise any art, trade, mystery, or manual occupa- 
tion, or shall sell or expose to sale any wares or merchandise 
as aforesaid by retail ; then it shall be lawful for the Mayor 
of the said city, for the time being, to cause such shop win- 
dows to be shut, and also to impose such reasonable fine for 
such offence, not exceeding twenty shillings for every res- 
pective offence ; and the same fines so imposed, to levy 
and take, by warrant, under the common seal of the said 
city, for the time being, by distress and sale of the goods 
and chattels of the person or persons so offending in the 
premises, found within the liberties and precincts of the 
said city, rendering to the parties the overplus, or by any 
other lawful ways or means whatsoever, to the only use of 
the said Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty of the said city 
of Albany, and their successors, without any account to be 
rendered, made, or done to his Majesty, his heirs and suc- 
cessors, or to his or their Lieutenants, Governors, or Com- 
manders-in-Chief for the same. Provided always. That 
no person or persons shall be made free as aforesaid, but 
such as are his Majesty's natural born subjects, or such as 
shall be first naturalized by act of the General Assembly, or 
have obtained letters of denization, under the hand of the 
Lieutenant or Governor, or Commander-in-Chief for the 
time being, and the seal of the said Province ; and that all 
persons to be made free as aforesaid, shall and do pay for 
the public use of the said Mayor, Aldermen, and Com- 
monalty of the said city, such sums of money as such person 
or persons so to be made free, shall respectively agree for, 
not exceeding the sum of three pounds tzuelve shillings for 
the admission of each merchant or trader ; and the sum of 
six and thirty shillings for the admission of each handicraft 
or tradesman. 

29. And whereas, amongst the other rights, privileges, 
preheminences, and advantages which the citizens and free- 

447 



men of the said city of Albany, and their predecessors, 
have for many years last past held, used and enjoyed the 
privileges, preheminences, and advantages of having within 
their own walls the sole management of the trade with all 
the Indians living within and to the eastward, northward 
and westward of the said county of Albany, within the 
compass of his said Majesty's dominion here, which hath 
been from time to time confirmed to them, and their said 
predecessors, as well by prescription as by divers and sundry 
grants, orders, confirmations, and proclamations, granted, 
ordered, confirmed, and issued forth, not only by and from 
divers Governors and Commanders-in-Chief in the said 
Province, since the same hath been under his said Majesty's 
dominion, but also of several Governors, Generals, and 
Commanders-in-Chief of the Nether Dutch Nation, whilst 
the same was or has been under their power and subjection, 
which has always been found by experience to be of great 
advantage, not only to the said city in particular, but to the 
whole Province in general ; and that by the care, caution 
and inspection of the magistrates of the said city, to the 
well and orderly management and keeping the trade with 
the Indians within their walls, it hath returned vastly to 
the advancement of trade and the increase of his Majesty's 
revenue, and been the sole means, not only of preserving 
this Province in peace and quiet, whilst the neighboring 
colonies were imbrued in blood and war, but also of putting 
an end to the miseries those colonies labored under from the 
insulting cruelty of the No7-them Indians. AMiereas, on 
the other hand, it has been no less evident, that whenever 
there has been any slackness or remissness in the regulation 
and keeping the Indian trade within the walls of the said 
city, occasioned by the encroachment of some persons trading 
with the Indians in places remote, some clandestinely, others 
upon pretence of hunting passes, and the hke, the trade not 
only of the said city, but the whole Province, has apparently 
decreased, the King's revenue has been much impaired, and 
not only so, but this government has lost much of the repu- 
tation and management amongst the Indians, which it 
otherwise had and enjoyed ; wherefore, for and on behalf 
of his said Majesty, his heirs and successors, I have given, 
granted, ratified, and confirmed, and by these presents do 
give, grant, ratify and confirm unto the Mayor, Aldermen, 
and Commonalty of the said city of Albany, and their 

448 



successors forever, the right, privilege, preheminence, and 
advantage of the sole and only management of the trade 
with the Indiatis, as well within this whole country, as 
without the same, to the eastward, northward, and westward 
thereof, so far as his Majesty's dominion here does or may 
extend, to be managed and transacted only by the freemen, 
being actual inhabitants within the said city, and within the 
now walks and stockades thereof, and not elsewhere. And 
I do hereby, for his said Majesty, his heirs and successors, 
absolutely forbid and prohibit all and every the inhabitants 
of the said Province of JVew-York, (the inhabitants of the 
said city of Albany only excepted,) to trade or traffic with 
any of the five nations of Indians, called the Se?iekas, 
Cayonges, Onondages, Oneydes, and Maqueas, who live to 
the westward, or with any other Indian or India?is what- 
soever, within the county of Albany, or to the eastward, 
northward, or westward thereof, so far as his said Majesty's 
dominions here do or may extend, or to have or keep in 
their houses or elsewhere, any Indian goods or merchandize, 
upon the pain and penalty of the forfeiture and confiscation 
of such Iidiafi commodities, whether the same be beavers, 
peltry, or other Indian commodities whatsoever, except 
Indian corn, venison, and dressed deer skins, to trade for, 
and upon pain and penalty of the forfeiture and confiscation 
of all such hidian goods and merchandize, as guns, powder, 
lead, duffels, rum, and all other Indian goods and merchan- 
dize, which shall at any time hereafter be found, concealed, 
or kept in any house or place without the walls of the said 
city, and within the said county of Albany, and the other 
limits and boundaries hereinbefore set forth and prescribed ; 
and in case any person or persons whatsoever shall at any time 
hereafter, out of the walls of the said city, and within the 
said county, or the other limits and boundaries hereinbefore 
set forth and prescribed, trade or traffic with any Indian or 
Indians, for any beavers, peltry, or other Indian commodi- 
ties, (except as before excepted,) or there shall conceal or 
keep any Itidian goods, wares, or merchandize in any house 
or place as aforesaid, then it shall and may be lawful for the 
Mayor, Recorder, or any of the Aldermen for the time 
being, by warrant, under their or any of their hands, to cause 
such Ifidiaji commodities so traded for, and such goods and 
merchandize so kept and concealed without the walls of the 
said city, wheresoever they shall lie found within the said city 

449 



and county, as without the same within the limits and bound- 
aries before expressed, to be seized, and the same to be con- 
demned and confiscated, in the court of pleas or common 
pleas in the said city, or any other court of record within 
the said city or Province, one-third part to the Mayor of the 
city for the time being, one-third part to such person or per- 
sons as shall inform or sue for the same, and the other third 
part to the use of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty 
of the said city of Albany, and their successors forever. 
And also, that it shall and may be lawful to and for the 
Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen of the said city for the time 
being, by a warrant under their or any of their hands or seals, 
to cause such person or persons, as shall presume to trade or 
traffic with the hidians, contrary to the form and effect of 
these presents, to be apprehended wherever they shall be 
found, within the limits and boundaries hereinbefore pre- 
scribed, to answer the same at the court of pleas and com- 
mon pleas in the said city, or any other court of record 
within the said city or Province, where being legally con- 
victed thereof, such person or persons, over and besides the 
forfeiture and confiscation of such goods, merchandize and 
commodities as aforesaid, shall be fineable, and fined in such 
sum or sums of money, (not exceeding twenty powids cur- 
rent money of this country,) as at the discretion of such court, 
before whom he or they shall be prosecuted, shall be thought 
reasonable and convenient ; which said fines shall be one- 
third part to the person who shall inform and prosecute for 
the same, and the other two-thirds to the use of the Mayor, 
Aldermen and Commonalty, and their successors forever. 

30. And further, I do, by these presents, for and on 
behalf of his said Majesty, his heirs and successors, grant 
and declare to the said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty 
of Albany, and their successors, that his Majesty, his heirs 
and successors, nor any of his or their Governors, Lieutenants, 
Commanders-in-Chief or other officers, shall not or will not 
from henceferth forever hereafter, grant unto any person or 
persons whatsoever, any license or licenses to hunt within 
the said county of Albany, or to the eastward, northward or 
westward, so far as his said Majesty's dominion here doth or 
may extend, without the consent and approbation of the 
Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the said city of 
Albany, for the time being, by the said person or persons 
first to be had and obtained. 



450 



31. And further, I do, by these presents, for his said 
Majesty, and his successors, grant to the said Mayor, Alder- 
men and Commonalty of the said city, that they and their 
successors be forever, persons able and capable, and shall 
have power to purchase, have, take and possess in fee simple, 
lands, tenements, rents and other possessions, within or with- 
out the same city, to them and their successors forever, so 
as the same exceed not the yearly value of one thousand 
pounds per annum, the statute of ?nortfnai7i, or any other 
law to the contrary notwithstanding ; and the same lands, 
tenements, hereditaments and premises, or any part thereof 
to demise, grant, lease, set over, assign and dispose at their 
own will and pleasure, and to make, seal and accomplish any 
deed or deeds, lease or leases, evidences or writings for or 
concerning the same or any part thereof, which shall happen 
to be made and granted by the said Mayor, Aldermen and 
Commonalty of the said city for the time being 

32. And further, for and on behalf of his said Majesty, 
his heirs and successors, I do, by these presents, grant to the 
said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty, that they and their 
successors shall and may forever hereafter, hold and keep 
within the said city, in every week in the year, two market 
days, the one upon Wednesday, and the other upon Satii?'- 
day, weekly forever. 

33. And also, I do by these presents, for and on behalf 
of his said Majesty, his heirs and successors, grant to the said 
Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the said city, that 
they and their successors and assigns shall and may at any or 
all times hereafter, build a public weigh-house in such part 
of the said city, as to them shall seem convenient ; and 
that they the said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty 
shall and may receive, perceive, and take to their own proper 
use and behoof all and singular the issues and profits there- 
from or thereby arising or accruing ; as also, that the said 
Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the said city of 
Albany, their heirs and successors, shall and may at any 
time or times hereafter, when it to them shall seem fit and 
convenient, to take in, fill and make up, and lay out all and 
singular the grounds and lands within the limits and precincts 
of the said city, and the same to build upon and make use 
of in other manner or way as to them shall seem fit, as far 
into the river that passeth by the same as low water mark as 
aforesaid. 



451 



34- And further, for and on behalf of his said Majesty, 
his heirs and successors, I do, by these presents, give and 
grant unto the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty 
of the said city of Albany, and their successors, that they 
and their successors shall and may have, hold and keep 
within the said city, liberties and precincts thereof, once 
every fortnight in every year forever, upon Tuesday^ one 
court of common pleas for all actions of debt, trespass upon 
the case, detinue, ejectment, and other personal actions, and 
the same to be held, before the Mayor, Recorder and Alder- 
men, or any three of them, (whereof the Mayor or Recorder 
to be one,) who shall have power to hear and determine the 
same pleas and actions, according to the rules of the common 
law, acts of the General Assembly of the said Province, and 
the course of other corporations in the like nature. 

35. And further, for and on the behalf of his said 
Majesty, his heirs and successors, I do, by these presents, 
give and grant to the said Mayor, Aldermen and Common 
alty of the said city of Albany, their successors forever, 
that the Mayor of the said city for the time being, shall and 
may determine all and all manner of actions, or causes 
whatsoever, to be had, moved or depending between party 
and party, so always as the same exceed not the value of 
forty shillings, current money of this Province. 

36. And further, for and on behalf of his said Majesty, 
his heirs and successors, I do grant to the said Mayor, 
Aldermen and Commonalty of the said city, and their suc- 
cessors forever, that the Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen of 
the said city shall always be, so long as they shall continue 
in their respective offices, Justices of the peace for the said 
county, and as such shall and may sit in the courts of ses- 
sions, or county courts, and courts of oyer and terminer, that 
shall from time to time be held and kept within the said 
county ; and that the Mayor, Recorder, or some one of the 
Aldermen of the said city for the time being, shall and may 
always preside in or be president of such county courts, or 
courts of sessions, to be held within the said county as afore- 
said, and that the Sherift" of the said city for the time being, 
shall always be Sheriff of the said county ; also that the 
Town Clerk of the said city for the time being, shall always 
be the clerk of the peace, and Clerk of the court of sessions, 
or county courts for the said county. 



45: 



37- And further, I do, for and on behalf of his said 
Majesty, his heirs and successors, by these presents grant to 
the said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the said 
city of Albany, and their successors, that the said Mayor, 
Aldermen and Commonalty of the said city, and their suc- 
cessors, shall have and enjoy all the privileges, franchises, 
and power that they have and use, or that any of their prede- 
cessors, at any time within the space of twenty years last past, 
had, took, or enjoyed, or sought to have had, by reason, or 
under pretence of any further charter, grant, prescription, 
or any other right, custom or usage, although the same have 
been forfeit or lost, or hath been ill used, or not used, or 
abused, or discontinued, albeit they be not particularly 
therein, under any pretence whatsoever, not only for their 
future, but the present enjoyment thereof; Provided 
ALWAYS, That the said privileges, franchises and powers 
be not inconsistent with, or repugnant to, the laws of his 
Majesty's kingdom of England or other the laws of the 
General Assembly as aforesaid, and saving to his heirs, suc- 
cessors and assigns, and his Commanders-in-Chief, Lieuten- 
ants, Governors and other officers under him or them in his 
Fort Albany, in or by the city of Albany, and in all the 
liberties, boundaries, extent and privileges thereof, for the 
maintenance of the said fort and garrison there, all the right, 
use, title, and authority, which his said Majesty, or any of 
his said Commanders-in-Chief, Lieutenants and other officers 
have had, used or exercised here (excepting the said pasture 
hereinbefore granted, or mentioned to be granted, to the 
said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the city of 
Albany aforesaid,) and saving to all other persons, bodies 
politic and corporate, their heirs, successors and assigns, all 
such right, title and claim, possession, rents, services, com- 
mons, emoluments and interests, of, in and to anything that 
is theirs, save only the franchises as aforesaid, in as ample 
manner as if this charter had not been made 

38. And further, I do appoint and declare, that the 
incorporation to be founded by this charter shall not at any 
time hereafter do or suffer to be done, any thing by which 
the lands, tenements or hereditaments, stock, goods or chat- 
tels thereof, or in the hands, custody or possession of any of 
the citizens of the said city, such as have been set, let, given, 
granted, or collected, to and for pious and charitable uses, 
shall be wasted or misemployed, contrary to the trust or 

453 



intent of the founder or giver thereof. And that such and 
no other construction shall be made hereof, than that which 
may tend most to advance religion, justice, and the public 
good, and to suppress all acts and contrivances to be inven- 
ted or put in use contrary thereto. In witness whereof, I 
have to these presents set my hand, and thereto have affixed 
the seal of the said Province, and caused the same to be 
enrolled in the Secretary's office of the said Province, this 
two and twentieth day of J^uly, in the second year of his 
said Majesty's reign, and in the year of our Lord one thou- 
sand six hundred and eighty-six. 

THOMAS DONGAN. 



454 



INDEX. 



'■^ PAGE. 

Address by J. Howard King 71 

Address by Oren E. Wilson 204, 205 

Address by Mayor John Boyd Tliaclier, 71, 89, 205, 300, 301, 342 

343 

Address by Robert F. Mclntyre 287, 288 

Address by Dr. T. Blom Coster 299 

Address by H. C. Staats, High Priest of Momus 324-326 

Address by T. H. S. Pennington 286, 287 

Address by President Grover Cleveland 382 

Address by Hon. William F. Bayard 382, 383 

Address by Hon. William C. Whitney 383 

Advisory Committee created 7 

Advisory Committee, list of 13, 46 

African M. E. Church, services at 188, 189 

Albany Burgesses Corps 8, 69 

Albany, first charter 43 1 —454 

All Nations' Day, programme 252 

All Nations' Day, general orders 253-257 

All Nations' Day Parade described 257-271 

All Nations' Day Parade, first division 259-261 

All Nations* Day Parade, second division 261-263 

All Nations' Day Parade, third division 263 -265 

All Nations' Day Parade, fourth division 265-267 

All Nations' Day Parade, fifth division 267-270 

All Nations' Day Parade, reviewed 271 

Appropriation in Tax Budget 2 

Appropriation for Historical Pageant 39 

Appropriation for Music 40 

Appropriation for Engraving and Printing 43 

Appropriation for Fireworks 45 

Appropriation for Monumenting, etc 45 

Appropriation for Reception Committee 45 

Appropriation for Loan Exhilntion 45 

Appropriation for Military Committee 66 

Award of Prizes for Essays 202-204 

455 



-'-' PAGE. 

Bayard, William F., address by 382, 383 

Banks, Mayor A . Bleecker, proclamation by 2, 3 

Banks, Mayor A. Bleecker, chosen chairman 5 

Banks, Mayor A. Bleecker, resignation 41 

Baptist Churches, union services of 146-154 

Battershall, Rev. Walton W., sermon of 190, 191 

Bi-Centennial Card, described 427-429 

Bi-Centennial Day, programme 327, 328 

Bi-Centennial Day, general orders 328, 329 

Bi-Centennial Day Parade, description of 329-340 

Bi-Centennial Day Exercises at Rink 340-383 

Bi-Centennial Flag 39, 57, 61, 66 

Bi-Centennial Flag. (See " The Flags of Albany.") 

Bi-Centennial Medal 423-426 

Boss, Prof. Lewis, report by 14, 17 

Bronze Memorial Tablets, description of 46, 55 

Bureau of Information 12, 45 

c 

Canoe Races 248-25 1 

Catholic Church, services 132--145, 190 

Caughnawaga Indians, reception of 88— 91 

Centennial Celebration of 1 786, account of 5 

Chaplain, selection of. 57 

Chapman, Rev. T. Wilbur, sermon of 189 

Children's Day, exercises of 194-252 

Citizens' Bi-Centennial Committee, membership 6 

Citizens' Bi-Centennial Committee, organized 7, 17 

Citizens' Bi-Centennial Committee, minutes of 7—69 

Citizens' Meeting 2—6 

City Gates, opening ceremonies 194--198 

City Gates, description of 195, 197 

City Seals 415--422 

Civic Day, programme 297 

Civic Day Parade, general orders 302-305 

Civic Day Parade, description of 305~3it> 

Cleveland, President Grover, letter of 66 

Cleveland, President Grover, address by 382 

Cleveland, President Grover, reception to 387-389 

Clinton Square Presbyterian Church, services at 187 

Colored Societies, All Nations' Day 263, 286-288 



PAGE. 

Concert by School Children 251, 252 

Coster, Dr. T. Blom, reception of 298-301 

Coster, Dr. T. Blom, address by 299 

Countermine, Rev. T. D., sermon of 190 

D 

Davidson, Miss Elizabeth G., prize essay by 207-219 

Decorations and Monumenting, reports on 43 

De Leon, F. C 8,27, 28 

Demorest, Rev. David D., sermon of 107-132 

Derrick, Rev. Israel, sermon of. 188, 189 

Devotional Day, account of exercises 91-194 

Dickson, Walter, resolution of thanks to 68 

Doane, Rt. Rev. William Croswell, selected as chaplain 57 

Doane, Rt. Rev. William Croswell, sermon by 133-145 

Dongan Charter 43 1 -454 

E 

Educational Day, reports from Board of Public Instruction 28 

Educational Day, exercises on 194-252 

Episcopal Churches, union services of 132-145, 190 

Essays 207-224 

F 

First Baptist Church, union services at 146-154 

First Detailed Programme for Celebration 18-25 

First Lutheran Church, services at 178-186 

First Methodist Church, union services at 168, 1 78, 192 

First Official Action I 

First Reformed Church, services at 189 

First Report of Plan of Celebration 17 

Flags of Albany 401--414 

Floats described, 316-324 

Former Celebrations, account of. 14 - 17 

Fort Orange Club, reception by 3^9-392 

Foster, Rev. Albert, sermon of 146-154 

French Citizens, All Nations' Day 261-263 

G 

German Societies, All Nations' Day 267--270, 284, 285 

Grant Club, All Nations' Day 265, 266 

457 



^^ PAGE 

Hill, Governor David B., selected as orator 40 

Hill, Governor David B., review of trades parade 247 

Hill, Governor David B., review of All Nations' parade 271 

Hill, Governor David B., Bi-Centennial oration by 350--382 

Historical Pageant 27, 28,29, 3° " 39 

Historical Pageant, general orders 314, 315 

Historical Pageant, divisions and officers 315, 316 

Historical Pageant, description of floats and parade 316-324 

Historical Tableaux, school festival 199-202 

Hodgson, George L., prize essay by 219-224 

Holland, Envoys from, reception of, etc 298-301 

Hollanders' division. All Nations' Day 259-261 

Holmes, Rev. Dr., sermon of 187--188 

Huntington, Rev. Dr. E. A., sermon of 187 

Hurlbut, Rev. Merritt, sermon of 170--178 

I 
Invitations to Schools 46 

Irish Societies, All Nations' Day, 263-265, 272-284 

Italian Citizens, All Nations' Day 270, 271 

J 
Jackson Corps 69, 97, 105 

Jewish Synagogue, Beth-Emeth, religious services in 9' ~ 95 

Jewish Synagogue, Beth-El-Jacob, religious services in 193 

K 

King, J. Howard, address by 71 

Kip, Leonard, oration at Loan Exhibition 78-86 

L 

Legislative Committee, address by 67 

Legislative Re-union 3^3~3S7 

List of Subscribers to Bi-Centennial Fund 395-400 

Loan Exhibition, committee to report on 17 

Loan Exhibition, communication suggesting 17, 18 

Loan Exhibition, committee on 26, 27 

Loan Exhibition, opening exercises 69--86 

Loan Exhibition, managers of. 86--88 

Local Organizations, represented 4 

Lyons, Aid. James, resolution for celeliratmn by i 



M PAGE. 

Medal of the Bi-Centennial 423-426 

Madison Avenue Reformed Church, services at 106-132 

Manufacturers' Day, exercises of. 194-252 

McElroy, William H., Bi-Centennial Poem by 343-350 

Mclntyre, Robert F., address before Colored societies 287-288 

Methodist Churches, union services of. 168-178 

Military Mass, account of. 96-106 

Miller, Rev. George W., sermon of. 179-186 

Morange, William D. , poem by 73-78 

Municipal Reception 387-389 

Mystic Order of Momus, midnight parade by 324-327 

N 
National Association of Amateur Oarsmen, 27, 29, 290, 295, 310, 313 

o 

Opening the City's Gates, ceremonies at 194-198 

Oration of Leonard Kip 78—86 

Oration of Hugh Reilly 273-283 

Oration of Gov. David B. Hill, Bi-Centennial Day 350-3S2 

Orator, selection of 40 

Orator, medal for 61 

P 
Parade of Manufacturers, Tradesmen and Mechanics and names 

of participants 224-248 

Parade of Mystic Order of Momus 324-327 

Parade of Secret Societies 295-297 

Parade of All Nations 252-272 

Pennington, T. H. S., address before Colored societies 286, 287 

Poem, by William H. McElroy, Bi-Centennial Day 343-35° 

Poem, by William D. Morange, Loan Exhibition 73-7^ 

Poet, selection of 40 

Poet, medal for 61 

Prayer, by Rev. T. Livingston Reese 199 

Player, Bi-Centennial Exercises, of Rt. Rev. W. C. Doane 341 

Presbyterian Churches, union services of. 154-168, 187 

Prize Essays, conditions, etc 29 

Prize Essays 207--224 

Proclamation for Celebration 2, 3 

Proclamation of Opening Exercises 63-65 

Proclamation of Opening City Gates 196, 197 

Pyrotechnic Display 393, 394 

459 



^ PAGE. 

Reese, Rev. Dr. J. Livingston, prayer by 199 

Reformed Churches, union services of 106-132, 189 

Regatta, account of 27, 29, 290-295,310-313 

Reilly Hugh, oration before Irish Societies 273—283 

Rehgious Services, report upon 56 

Reply to Invitation, from officials of Antwerp 40 

Reply to Invitation, from Mayor of London 42 

Reply to Invitation, from Lieutenant-Governor 43 

Reply to Invitation, from officials of Amsterdam 46 

Reply to Invitation, from officials of The Hague 56, 61 

Reply to Invitation, from R. A. Maxwell 62 

Reply to Invitation, from N. Y. Holland Society 62 

Reply to Invitation, from Samuel J. Tilden 68 

Resolution of Common Council to Celebrate i 

s 

Schlesinger, Rabbi, sermon of- 93~95 

School Children's Festival, exercises at 198-224 

Schubert Club 17 

Schuyler, Peter, portrait of 61 

Scottish Games, All Nations' Day 288—290 

Seals of Albany 415-422 

Secret Societies, parade by 295--297 

Sermon by Rev. Walter W. Battershall 190— 191 

Sermon by Rev. J. Wilbur Chapman 189 

Sermon by Rev. J. D. Countermine 190 

Sermon by Rev. David D. Demorest 107—132 

Sermon by Rev. Isarel Derrick 188, 189 

Sermon by Rt. Rev. William C. Doane 133—145 

Sermon by Rev. Albert Foster 146-154 

Sermon by Rev. Dr. Holmes 187, 188 

Sermon by Rev. Dr. E. A. Huntington 187 

Sermon by Rev. Merritt Hurlbut 170-178 

Sermon by Rev. George W. Miller 179-186 

Sermon by Rabbi Schlesinger 93"95 

Sermon by Rev. Horace C. Stanton 155—168 

Sermon by Rev. H. A. Starks 192 

Sermon by Rev. Dr. C. H. W. Stocking 193 

Sermon by Rev. Dr. Mark Trafton 168-1 70 

Sermon by Rev. Clarence Walworth 98--105 

Sixth Presbyterian Church, services at 190 

Staats, H. C, address by 324-326 

Stanton, Rev. Horace C, sermon by 1 55-- 168 

460 



PAGE. 

Starks, Rev. H. A., sermon of 192 

State Officials, invitation to 39 

State Street Presbyterian Church, union services at 154—168 

St. Mary's Church, religious services in 96—106 

St. Peter's Church, services at 132-145, 190 

Stocking, Rev. Dr. C. H. W., sermon of 193 

Subscribers to Bi-Centennial Fund 395—400 

Subscriptions 8, 28, 66 

Sub-Committees, list of 8, 14, 23, 26, 27, 42, 45 

T 

Thacher, Mayor John Boyd, elected chairman 41 

Thacher, Mayor John Boyd, address by, 71-73, 89, 205, 300, 301, 342, 

343 

Tilden, Samuel J., letter of. 68 

The City Seals of Albany 415—422 

The Flags of Albany 401-414 

Trades Day, exercises of 194— 252 

Trafton, Rev. Dr. Mark, sermon of 168-170 

Trinity Episcopal Church, services at 192, 193 

u 

Unveiling of Bronze Tablets 248 

V 
Van Ness, Edward, letter of 66 

w 

Walworth, Rev. Clarence, sermon of 98—105 

Whitney, William C. , address by 383 

Wilson, Oren E., address by 204, 205 



461 




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